Analyzing the performance impact on metallic foams: a comprehensive overview

Abstract A cellular structure characterized by an artistic material or robust metal containing a significant portion of volume filled with gas-filled pores is commonly referred to as metallic foams. These gas-filled pores can be of a sealed type (closed-cell foams) or an interconnected structure (open-cell foams), exhibiting exceptionally high permeability with typically 70-95% of content comprising empty spaces. Given its widespread application in the realm of thermal management for aircraft and energy utilization systems to enhance the thermal performance of heat sinks and heat exchangers, it has emerged as a promising and intriguing research area within the fields of aviation and thermo physics. Understanding the fluid dynamics and heat transfer characteristics of metal foams serve as the fundamental basis for the optimal design of heat transfer devices employing these materials. The primary objective of this article is to focus on reviewing recent studies and the thermal performance of metal foams by summarizing the majority of theoretical and experimental inquiries into heat transfer enhancement and flow characteristics. By elucidating the fundamentals of heat transfer, thermal conductivity behaviour, and the thermal performance of Aluminium, Copper, Nickel, Magnesium, and Composite foams, this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject matter.