Global sensitivity analysis for the elastic properties of hollow spheres filled syntactic foams using high dimensional model representation method

An accurate prediction of the bulk properties of syntactic foams, even for the elastic properties, is difficult due to the microstructure being composed of constituents with strong distinctions in mechanical properties. Moreover, it is very costly and time-consuming to characterize the influence of various parameters on the bulk properties of syntactic foams by experiments. In this study, a microstructure-based finite element simulation approach was developed to predict the elastic mechanical behaviors of hollow spheres filled syntactic foams. Three-dimensional cubic unit cell model with interface simulated by cohesive elements was constructed to capture the microstructure and stress/strain fields in mesoscale. The effective elastic properties of syntactic foams in terms of Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio were calculated by means of homogenization method. To get an enhanced understanding of property–structure relations, a global sensitivity analysis was performed based on the high dimensional model representation (HDMR) method. Ten parameters, including geometry and mechanical properties of constituent phases, were selected as input parameters. Independent and cooperative effects of the input parameters on the elastic properties of syntactic foams were investigated by first- and second-order sensitivity indices, respectively. An importance ranking of the input parameters for Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio could then be obtained. The procedure proposed in this work provides a powerful tool for design and optimization of syntactic foams.