Investigation of high strain rate properties of graphene reinforced aluminum foam under varying temperature
Abstract
Closed cell aluminum foam is a unique type of lightweight metal that is able to sustain considerable deformation under a nearly constant stress known as plateau stress. Under dynamic loading, aluminum foams are good energy absorbers. However, they still suffer from low strength and therefore, it is important to enhance the strength of closed cell aluminum foams. In this investigation, aluminum foams reinforced with different graphene concentrations: 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.62 wt.%. were fabricated using a liquid metallurgy route. The compressive dynamic behavior of Al-foam reinforced with graphene has been studied over a range of strain rate ranging from 1000 s-1 to 2200 s-1 using the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) apparatus. The mechanical response was studied at room temperature (298 K) as well as at a high temperature of 473 K and 623 K. It was observed that graphene reinforced aluminum foams are sensitive to strain rate. Mechanical properties like peak stress, plateau stress and energy absorption were examined. Among the different graphene concentrations investigated under various strain rates, 0.62 wt. % aluminum foam showed the highest peak stress, plateau stress and energy absorption over the temperature range studied.
Degree
M.S.
Thesis Department
Rights
OpenAccess.
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