Effect of temperature on the indentation behavior of closed-cell aluminum foam

Deep indentation response of closed-cell aluminum foam under different temperatures was experimentally investigated by using flat-ended and hemispherical-ended punches and compared with that under uniaxial compression. Cross-sectional views show that the deformation is roughly confined to the material directly underneath the indenter though has slight lateral spread. The plastic collapse strength, tear energy and energy absorption are found to be temperature dependent. An empirical formula incorporating indentation depth effect and test temperature effect is presented for the tear energy.