Numerical Modal Analysis of Foams with Different Types and Configurations

Thanks to the perfect combination of mechanical properties like high strength and rigidity with functional properties like thermo-acoustic insulation and vibration damping, foam structures are becoming increasingly attractive in engineering applications. Most of the research done so far has been focused on the mechanical properties of foams. On the other hand, understanding the vibration behavior of foams is vital since most failures in engineering applications are associated with violent vibrations. In this research, it is focused on the vibration analysis of foams with different types and configurations. In the context of vibration, modal analysis is a highly preferred method for fully understanding the structural behavior of materials. The Finite Element Method is commonly employed for numerical modal analysis to reveal the vibration characteristics of structures, including natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes. With this objective, the natural frequencies and mode shapes of these foams were defined under both clamped-free and free-free boundary conditions. Subsequently, the effects of material application and boundary conditions were examined. The findings and results obtained can provide valuable insights to researchers and engineers for design applications.