Prediction of elastic properties of polyurethane-infiltrated carbon foams

This paper presents micromechanical approach to assessment of elastic properties of composite polyurethane-carbon foams. Analysis is based on specific choice of RVE combined with micro-macro transition. It leads to evaluation of strength and elastic constants of a composite. Foam behaviour is investigated numerically. Solid skeleton part shape is based on the tetrahedron cut out with spheres. 3D unit cell model is FE discetized. Calculations are performed for foams of selected densities using ABAQUS system. The comparison shows good agreement between the theoretical approach and experimental data. The presented method may be applied to design novel materials such as graphitized foam and nano composites and tailoring these materials for desired elastic properties.