Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation to curved strut effects on the mechanical properties of open-cell aluminum foams

Firstly, a theoretical method was employed to analyze the effect of the curvature of struts on the stiffness and strength properties of the open cell foam, based on the assumption that all the struts were curved. Then theoretical formulas were obtained for the prediction of the Young's modulus and yield strength of these foam containing curved struts. The validity of the theoretical prediction was verified by comparing with the simulation results of the finite element method. Finally, the finite element model was employed to investigate the effects of the content of curved struts, the curvature, and the anisotropy ratio on the compressive properties of the aluminum foam. The results indicate that the curvature of struts has a greater influence on the elastic modulus than the plastic collapse strength. The compressive properties of the aluminum foam show strong dependence on the curvature of struts, the content of curved struts, and the anisotropy ratio of cell structure.