Numerical modelling of open-cell metal foam with Kelvin cell

The paper presents an investigation study of the mechanical properties of metal foam. In this investigation, a numerical simulation by finite element method is used. For this purpose, the foam structure is modelled by a regular network of Kelvin cells. In these cells, the strands are modelled as a three-dimensional (3D) finite element beam. In particular, we consider four types of strands cross sections: (1) circular (2) square (3) triangular and (4) Plateau shape. Our numerical results are in agreement with the experimental results obtained on a real Nickel metallic foam. In addition, we perform a parametric analysis to study the effect of some geometrical characteristics on the elasticity of a metal foam. Among these geometrical characteristics, we consider the shape and dimensions of strands cross section as well as the inertia variation.