MESOSCOPIC METHODOLOGY FOR THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELLING OF CLOSED-CELL METALLIC FOAM

This paper presents a methodology for the development of a three-dimensional mesoscopic model of a closed-cell metallic foam based on the characteristics of mesoscopic structures and CT scan images. Firstly, the distribution of pores of closed-cell metallic foam and their shape and size is analyzed. An ellipsoid with random shape and size is employed to model the pores. The randomly distributed pore model is set up using a random take & place algorithm. Secondly, an algorithm for material property identification is employed in the generation of a finite element model. As a result, the three-dimensional mesoscopic model of metallic foam is set up. On the basis of the mesoscopic model, the mechanical properties of metallic foam under impact loading are investigated numerically. Its energy absorption capability characteristics are simulated. Furthermore, the mechanism of mesoscopic damage for cell-walls is analyzed. Results show that the mesoscopic model presented in this paper can realistically reveal the mechanical properties and mesoscopic damage patterns of a closed-cell metallic foam.