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An investigation of the microstructure and strength of open-cell 6101 aluminum foams

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Abstract

This article presents the results of a study of the microstructure and strength of open-cell 6101 aluminum alloy fans with three different levels of pore size (measured in pores per inch (PPI)). The macrostructures and microstructures of open-cell foam struts are characterized using a combination of optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The compositions of the individual phases are also determined via energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The variations in strut microhardness are then measured using Vickers microindentation techniques. Following the measurement of the mechanical properties of foams, a modified model is used to estimate the relative density from measured strut dimensions. The mechanisms of compressive deformation are then elucidated before presenting a discussion on unit-cell modeling, strut plastic deformation, and the relationships between strut microstructure and microhardness.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. the Princeton Materials Institute and the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, 08544, Princeton, NJ

    J. Zhou (Graduate Research Assistant), C. Mercer (Staff Scientist) & W. O. Soboyejo (Professor)

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  1. J. Zhou
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  2. C. Mercer
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  3. W. O. Soboyejo
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Zhou, J., Mercer, C. & Soboyejo, W.O. An investigation of the microstructure and strength of open-cell 6101 aluminum foams. Metall Mater Trans A 33, 1413–1427 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-002-0065-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-002-0065-x

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