Michael Reichel (ari)
PD Dr. Günther Lange - TU Ilmenau
Production and properties of porous metals - especially aluminum foams
Nature shows us in numerous concepts how lightweight construction with a cellular structure can work. The corresponding structures of plants and living beings show a high stiffness and strength with minimal weight, e.g. the bone (spongiosa). In addition, a good energy absorption can be realized with the help of a cellular structure (shell of the pomelo fruit). Nature shows us in numerous concepts how lightweight construction can work. Cellular open-pored and closed-pored metals lend themselves to transferring these positive properties to technical applications. In addition to the substitution of steel materials with aluminum and magnesium alloys, aluminum foams can be an innovative alternative for lightweight construction. Compared with monomaterials, metal foams exhibit better energy and damping properties as well as higher specific stiffness. However, they have lower absolute strengths compared to the solid material. The presentation will give an overview of the manufacturing processes, main properties and applications of metallic foams.
