Effect of cell size on the dynamic compressive properties of open-celled aluminum foams

In the present paper, open-celled AA6101-T6 aluminum foams, Duocel, with virtually the same relative density of 0.09 were tested at both a dynamic strain rate of 1.2 × 10³s^-1 and quasi-static strain rate of 1 × 10^-3 s^-1 in compression at room temperature. These Duocel foams have different cell sizes (10, 20, and 40 ppi) but similar cell morphology and microstructure. The mechanical strength and energy absorption of these foams were characterized as a function of strain rate and cell morphology. Experimental results indicated that the mechanical responses of Duocel foams were independent of the cell size and strain rate. Similar tests were also conducted with fully dense AA6101-T6 aluminum alloy and the results were compared with those obtained from the foam materials.