Effects of microstructural characteristics on mechanical properties of open-cell nickel foams

Abstract

Previous investigations on the relationship between the mechanical properties and microstructure of metal foams have mainly been related to the compressive response of closed cell aluminium foams. In contrast, little research has been conducted on the tensile properties of open cell metal foams. This investigation examines the effects of changes in foam density, cell size, grain size and strut size on the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of electrodeposited nickel foams. Preliminary studies were conducted using scanning electron microscope (SEM) to determine the cell size, grain size and strut size of nickel foams. The primary factor controlling the UTS of nickel foams tested appears to be relative density, with increases in relative foam densities from 0·035 to 0·083 accompanying an increase in the UTS from 0·85 to 3·53 MPa. Experimentally obtained UTS values were compared with predicted values obtained from empirical relationships.

Keywords:

• CELLULAR MATERIALS
• NICKEL FOAMS
• MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
• TENSILE STRENGTH
• DENSITY
• MICROSTRUCTURE EFFECTS
• CELL SIZE
• GRAIN SIZE
• STRUT SIZE