Crushing response of Composite Metallic Foams: Density and High Strain Rate effects

Highlights: • New CMFs, based on SiC particles and TiH₂, were manufactured and tested under HSR conditions. • The relative density of the new-developed CMFs shows a strong dependence on the foaming temperature. • SiC particles improve the strength of CMFs and increase the stability of cell walls. • Strain rate, relative density and microstructure influence the energy absorption (W) capacities. • ANOVA statistical analysis showed that the strain rate had the greatest influence on the W performance. -- Abstract: The emerging demand for lightweight materials has had an impact in several industries, including biomedical, marine, and space forum applications wherein weight-reduction, impact energy, vibration and noise absorption are mandatory. In this paper, the crushing response of newly developed composite metallic foams (CMFs) with different relative densities (0.289, 0.293, 0.307 and 0.312) were experimentally investigated. As reinforcement, 10 wt% silicon carbide (SiC) particles (size: 20–40 µm) were used, while the foam behavior consisted of microstructure characterization, uniaxial compression tests and statistical analysis. The compressive properties of CMFs were determined using a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar apparatus over a strain-rates range of 520–1560 s⁻¹. It was found that the strength properties and energy absorption performance of the manufactured foams are strongly affected by the above-mentioned factors. However, the Analysis of Variance technique showed that the most contributing factor is the strain rate (89.10%), followed in order by the relative density (5.90%) and microstructure (3.10%).