Analysis of Advanced Pore Morphology (APM) Foam Elements Using Compressive Testing and Time-Lapse Computed...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Physics

Background:

• Advanced pore morphology (APM) foam elements feature a spherical shape, solid shell, and porous interior.
• These foams are primarily utilized in applications subjected to compressive loads.
• Understanding the internal deformation's impact on mechanical response is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between internal structure deformation and the mechanical response of APM foam elements during compression.
• To gain insights into the deformation behavior of APM foam samples under mechanical loading.

Main Methods:

• Utilized in-situ time-resolved X-ray computed microtomography experiments.
• Performed 3D scanning of APM foam elements during a mechanical loading procedure.
• Simultaneously applied mechanical loading and radiographical imaging.

Main Results:

• The highest stiffness in APM elements occurs before the first shear band appears.
• Stiffness decreases after shear band formation until internal pore walls make contact.
• Sample stiffness increases significantly as the material approaches the densification region.

Conclusions:

• The internal structure's deformation significantly influences the mechanical response of APM foam elements.
• The study reveals distinct stages of deformation and stiffness changes in APM foams under compression.
• In-situ microtomography is effective for correlating internal deformation with macroscopic mechanical behavior.