Metallic closed-cell FFT uniaxial crushing behavior analysis using Voronoi approach

Porous materials especially metallic foams are novel materials with high energy absorption and strength to weight ratio capability. In the present paper we investigate quasi-static uniaxial compression and crushing behavior of closed-cell graded aluminum foams and foam-filled tubes, both numerically and experimentally. To model the mentioned specimens, we place cubes with several densities and strengths to generate functionally graded specimens. Specimens are considered as to be graded with two and three layers and non-graded single layer, with and without tubes. Various standard uniaxial compression experiences are conducted for numerical model calibration and validation and also for non-linear mechanical properties and hardening characterization. To enhance strength and energy absorption capability and also tailoring purpose, we layout the cubic foams in tubes with square profile. The 3D Voronoi diagrams approach is manipulated to model stochastic foam microstructure. Also Novel unit cell is proposed based upon Kelvin cell. We implement the hybrid finite element analysis and Voronoi diagram using Python script and Abaqus 2017 commercial FEM-based code for more convenient modeling and efficient analysis. Finally, and after numerical model calibrations, numerical and experimental results showed good agreement.