Investigation on the influence of cell shape anisotropy on the mechanical performance of closed cell aluminium foams using micro-computed tomography

The mechanical behaviour of closed-cell aluminium foams made by both powder metallurgy (LKR) and liquid state (Hydro) processes is investigated. Hydro foams exhibit a significant anisotropy in their mechanical behaviour. The transverse direction stands out as the most favourable one in terms of strength. In contrast, LKR foams show an almost isotropic compressive behaviour. Both foams perform at a level far below the theoretical predictions. The reduced values are a result of imperfections and defects in the cellular microstructure. X-ray microfocus computed tomography (μCT) is therefore used for internal investigation of the foam cell structure. 2D and 3D quantitative image analyses have been performed on μCT images to characterise the morphometric parameters of the foams. The main parameters of interest are cell size, cell size distribution and cell features information. A preferred cell orientation in Hydro foams is observed along the normal and the transverse directions of the specimen. This cell shape anisotropy is quantified using the dimensions of the three axes of the equivalent ellipsoids. The orientation of the cells is well characterised by pole figures of the three axes of equivalent ellipsoids. The influence of this geometrical anisotropy on the mechanical behaviour of the foam is discussed.