摘要:
The linear elastic behaviour of foams is primarily controlled by bending of cell walls. The mechanical performance of foams can be improved by increasing the bending stiffness of the cell walls. Recently, our group has developed microsandwich foams in which the cell walls are microsandwich elements. The improved bending stiffness of the walls resulting from the sandwich microstructure increases their performance indices. Here, we describe a finite element analysis of the Young's moduli and Poisson's ratio of microsandwich foams. We then use the analysis to perform a parametric study of the way in which the performance of the microsandwich foams depends on microstructural parameters. Finally we compare the results of the analysis with data for three microsandwich foams. The analysis describes the data well.
摘要:
Performance indices for materials describe the mechanical efficiency of a component under a given mode of loading: the higher the performance index, the lower the mass of the component for a given mechanical requirement. Material selection charts offer a graphical means of comparing performance indices for a wide range of materials. The performance indices are first described. Micromechanical models for the behaviour of cellular materials are then used to suggest novel microstructural designs for cellular materials with improved performance. Model materials with two of the microstructures, honeycomb beams and plates, have been fabricated and tested. The results of the tests indicate that the new microstructures have higher values of some performance indices than those of the solids from which they are made.