X-ray tomography and finite element simulation of the indentation behavior of metal foams

The deformation mechanisms during indentation of aluminum-based metal foams are examined by use of X-ray tomography and the finite element method. The deformation was found to be almost totally restricted to a spherical cap-shape compacted zone under the indenter. An analytical expression is given which describes the changes in the size of the compacted zone as a function of the diameter of the indenter, the indentation depth and the relative density of the foam. Results of finite element simulations and the calculated function were found to be in reasonably good agreement.