Numerical simulation of shock wave propagation on compressible open-cell aluminum foams

A 2D nonlinear mass-spring-bar model was developed to study the characteristics of shock wave propagation on open-cell aluminum foams. Based on the uniaxial stress-strain relationship of aluminum foams, the loading and unloading criteria were implemented in 2D nonlinear model. The nonlinear kinematic equilibrium equations were derived and the stress wave propagation characteristics were modeled numerically using the explicit integration algorithm. Results showed that stress enhancement, which strongly depended on both the material properties of metallic foams and amplitude and duration of the pulse, may take place on metallic foams when the intensive loading was applied. The study provided valuable insight into the reliability of metallic foams used as protective structure.