Methodology for experimental investigations of metal foams and their mechanical properties

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive, systematic approach on experimental investigations of structure and me­chanical properties of metal foams. Based on a thorough state of the art study, the existing solutions have been synthesised with recent developments in the discussed field to become a proposition of a possibly complete metho­dology for observation and testing of cellular metals. Material properties acquired in the described manners can constitute reliable reference result base e.g. for identification and verification of failure criteria. This paper descri­bes sample preparation procedures and next discusses techniques which enable one to characterise foam structu­re. There are also presented procedures for determining strength limits in different load cases: uniaxial tension or compression, shear and torsion as well as multiaxial states. The tests are discussed in terms of their specific application to study cellular metallic materials.