Shell-Based Numerical Modelling and Experimental Validation of Closed-Cell Aluminum Foams

This work proposes the creation and the validation of shell-based numerical models of closed-cell aluminum foams, useful for FEM analyses. Foam cylinders were produced and specimens extracted by them were morphologically characterized and mechanically tested. Successively, commercial software packages were used for, firstly, creating and modifying geometrical models and, successively, generating FEM models based on shell elements. The results of FEM fit well with the mechanical tests, in terms of stress-strain response. Moreover, they highlight a results variability, reflecting the original variability associated to random generation of the geometrical models.