Compressive behavior of closed-cell metal foams under cryogenic conditions

Abstract Cellular materials in general and foams (polymeric, metallic and ceramic) in particular have seen a major development in recent years. Most of the data are reported at room temperature (RT), while the area of extreme temperatures is little studied. This work presents the quasi-static compression behavior of metallic foams (MFs). The MFs have closed cells and are manufactured from aluminum alloys (AlSi10) through powder metallurgy route. The mechanical tests are performed at cryogenic temperature (CT), and the results are compared with those at RT. It was found that as the temperature drops (CT), the samples become more brittle and withstand higher loads. The collapse mechanisms differ depending on the used test condition. The highest energy absorption performances are highlighted at CT. Also, the characteristic strains associated with the strength properties are influenced by the test temperature.