Failure Behavior of Closed Cell Foams

Abstract

A two-parameter theory of failure is developed for materials for which the uniaxial compressive stress failure magnitude is less than that for uniaxial tension. The theory is compared with data for a closed cell foam material under combined shear and normal stresses. Although the theory shows the correct general behavior, it probably omits certain finer scale features seen in the data. A more refined theory is now being developed, along with further experimental data.