Impact Damage Resistance of Aluminum Alloy Foams

Abstract

While some polymers are engineered to improve strength and endurance under elevated temperatures, these same materials are costly both economically and environmentally with the latter of the two stimulating the interest for this study. Polymers, more specifically foam cells are generally flame retardant. When ignited, toxins such as fluorine, bromine and other metallic salts are given off in the air. This poses potential environmental hazards. However, metallic materials (Aluminum) with their high strength, stiffness and ductility are much more environmentally friendly. Even if alloyed with appropriate compounds, the resulting core material could be melted down, separated then cast into new stock. Moreover, the use of an alloyed material can generally enhance the strength and stiffness of sandwich composite structures so essential in aerospace applications.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Nov 15, 1998
Source ID
10.1115/imece1998-0888

Entities

People

  • Ajit Kelkar
  • Christopher Grace
  • Jametta Mcrae
  • Tony Giamei
  • William Craft

Organizations

  • North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
  • United Technologies Corporation

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Polymer Science and Engineering.
  • Powder metallurgy of Titanium alloys.
  • Surface Coatings Technology.

Technology Areas

  • Space