Energy absorption of cast metal and composite foams tested in extremely low and high-temperatures

Abstract

This article presents a quasi-static and dynamic study of the energy absorption of aluminium and composite foams by investigating four types of cast foams produced by different technologies: foaming in liquid state, casting metal around granule and gas foaming and continuous rolling. Aluminium alloys were the base material.The main intention of the article is to present the results confirming the possibility of using aluminium-based foams in the liquefied natural gas tanks. For this reason, the main goal of the research was to evaluate the energy absorption and structural stability at sub-zero as well as extremely high temperatures. The low temperature of liquefied methane (−163 °C) was particularly important because low temperatures can reduce the strength of aluminium foams, which decreases their durability and influence the overall structural safety. The combustibility of aluminium foams and composite foams was also tested. The composite foam named 445, manufactured by the authors, underwent a combustibility test and retained its original dimensions, while other foams were partially melted. The advantageous durability at extremely low (−175 °C) and high (750 °C) temperatures suggest that such materials can significantly increase the safety and durability of liquefied natural gas tanks against fire, quasi-static and impact loading.

Keywords

• Aluminium foams
• Composites
• Casting
• Energy absorption
• Offshore structures
• Extreme temperatures