Finite Element Analysis of Closed Cell Aluminum Foam

This technical paper presents a finite element analysis (FEA) of closed-cell aluminum foam under impact loading. The study focuses on the mechanical behavior of aluminum foams, which are widely utilized in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and naval applications due to their lightweight and superior energy absorption properties. The paper outlines two modeling approaches: a cell-based model generated using the Voronoi tessellation algorithm and a continuum mechanics model based on the Deshpande-Fleck framework. The models are developed to simulate the impact response of the foam, with results compared to experimental uniaxial tests. The impact tests were conducted using an impact tester apparatus, adhering to ISO 17340 standards. The paper details the geometry generation, material characterization, and the finite element modeling process, including the selection of element types and boundary conditions. Additionally, it discusses the strain fail criteria used to simulate the collapse of the foam cells under high plastic strain during impact loading.