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Effect of Silicon Content on Mechanical Properties and Progressive Collapse Behavior of Closed-cell Aluminum Foams

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Abstract

Aluminum foams with different silicon content have been produced by the Alporas method, where calcium and calcium carbonate are used as a thickening and foam agent, respectively. Performing quasi-static compression tests, mechanical behavior such as strain–stress diagram, deformation behavior, and energy absorption properties of the produced foams were investigated in this study. By adding silicon, calcium, and agitation of molten metal Si, SiO2, CaAl2Si2, CaAl2Si2O8 phases were created. These phases increased melt viscosity and improved foamability. The effect of physical properties, foam structure, alloy microstructure, pore size, and distribution on the mechanical behavior of metal foams was investigated in the present study. The foam with 8 wt% Si showed minimum density and maximum foamability, while it possessed a complete peak of stress. Thinner cell walls in Al–Si foams were observed, which could be attributed to the effect of silicon on melt’s surface tension. Results suggested that foams with 0 and 8 wt% Si are suitable for use as an energy absorber.

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Notes

  1. Fluidity or castability, in casting terminology, is a term commonly used to describe the quality of the molten metal to flow and fill the mold cavity before it is stopped by solidification; this means fluidity in casting is not opposite of viscosity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Arak University of Technology, P.O. Box: 38181-41167, Arak, Iran

    MohammadReza Farahani, S. Hossein Elahi & H. R. Rezaei Ashtiani

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  1. MohammadReza Farahani
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  2. S. Hossein Elahi
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  3. H. R. Rezaei Ashtiani
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Correspondence to S. Hossein Elahi.

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Farahani, M., Hossein Elahi, S. & Rezaei Ashtiani, H.R. Effect of Silicon Content on Mechanical Properties and Progressive Collapse Behavior of Closed-cell Aluminum Foams. Trans Indian Inst Met 74, 3145–3154 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12666-021-02390-8

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