Closed cell aluminium foams are currently being evaluated for a broad range of applications, based on the unique and tailorable properties of this new class of engineering materials. Applications of aluminum foams in transportation systems are being considered based on their ability to absorb crash energy via compressive deformation. Other features of interest are the fire resistance and reduced thermal conductivity of high-porosity aluminum foams to provide passenger protection under accident conditions. This paper presents two case studies on improving vehicle crashworthiness by (1) using aluminum foams to increase the specific energy absorption of metal tubes with aluminum foam inserts and (2) the superior fire resistance of aluminum foams vs conventional wrought aluminum plate. Al foam inserts provided 25 - 32 % improvement in specific energy absorption of aluminium tubes and 33 - 38 % for 304 SS tubes. Under similar heating conditions in a propane flame, aluminium foam made from Al-Si alloy did not melt while the aluminium plate made from a higher melting point Al 6061 alloy exhibited localized melting entirely through the 0.5 inch thick plate.
Properties and applications of aluminium foams: two case studies
Eigenschaften und Anwendung von Aluminiumschäumen: zwei Fallstudien
2001
6 Seiten, 4 Bilder, 1 Tabelle, 4 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
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