HP390HonorsThesisProposalDiffuseBifurcationandStrainLocalizationinAlporasAluminumFoam.docVIP

HP390 Honors Thesis Proposal Diffuse Bifurcation and Strain Localization in Alporas Aluminum Foam Dominick Werther Dr. Kathleen Issen, Advisor 7/7/04 Purpose: Aluminum foam is a relatively new material and its full range of engineering applications is not yet known. One reason for this is that its material properties have yet to be described in such a way that enables mathematical modeling of the material under different loading conditions. Once aluminum foam is accurately characterized in terms of Young’s modulus, yield strength, and plateau stress, as well as cell morphology and cell defects, finite element analysis should be able to accurately predict how the material will behave in various applications. This will allow engineers to determine what applications the material is suitable for as well as allow them to incorporate safety factors into mechanical calculations. In the preliminary studies that have been done at Clarkson University on Alporas aluminum foam, two things have been noted. Prior to the first peak of the stress strain curve, both a diffuse bifurcation, which can be compared to buckling, and strain localization in the form of compactions bands are occurring. Additionally, most of the strain localization in Alporas specimens is occurring near the ends of the specimen, either top or bottom, which makes it difficult to see the bulk material reaction. My research will examine various aspect ratios, as well as compare epoxied vs. non-epoxied ends, to see if the diffuse bifurcation and strain localization can each be achieved individually as the only mode of deformation. Another goal is to force strain localization to occur away from the ends of the material to see how the bulk material behaves, rather than strain localization at the ends, which is likely due to end effects. Background: Aluminum foam is manufactured using a few different methods. The foam which will be tested in this study, trade named Alporas, is made by first mixing