On the Linear Elastic Properties of Regular and Random Open-Cell Foam Models

Abstract

Foams can be created from coagulation of gas bubbles in liquid. After removal of cell faces, an open-cell foam remains consisting of a strut framework. In the past, mechanical properties were estimated by a small unit cell consisting of only a few struts. However, the random geometry of the foam can be of importance for the linear elastic properties. Here, large foam unit cells are created using Voronoi techniques. A smooth transition from regular to random geometries is made, showing the strong sensitivity of the mechanical properties from the geometry of the microstructure. Uniaxial global loads are transmitted through chains of highly loaded struts. The deformation of the struts in the foam is a mixture of bending and normal deformation, the ratio of which shown here to be dependent on the magnitude of the density.