Effect of Relative Density on Compressibility of Al-Si Closed-Cell Aluminum Foam

A quasi-static compression test was carried out for Al-Si closed-cell aluminum foam of different relative densities,which was prepared by melt transferring-foaming process. The quasi-static mechanic behavior or deformation mechanism of the tested material due to compression was studied. The effect of relative density on the compressibility of Al-Si closed-cell aluminum foam was analyzed microscopically. The results show that the process of Al-Si closed-cell aluminum foam under compression presents obviously the characteristics of compressive deformation of brittle materials,i.e.,a process from linear elasticity to friable collapse and finally to densification. The mechanic properties of Al-Si closed-cell aluminum foam is affected obviously by its relative density. Its compressive strength and Young's modulus both increase with increasing relative density. All these from test conform well with the results calculated theoretically.