| Abstract Scope |
In this study, a lightweight hybrid composite metal foam was developed from aluminum alloy (LM24), cermet hollow spheres and TiH2-powder as a melt foaming agent. The hollow spheres were first mixed into the molten LM24 and then the TiH2 powder was used for foaming the mixture, resulting in a foamed matrix that, in addition to the porosity created by the hollow spheres in the matrix, maximized porosity, specific stiffness, damping properties, and strength-to-weight ratio. The analysis was performed with a quasi-static test and at a high strain rate using a shock tube. The results revealed that the hybrid foam had an apparent density of 0.5 g/cm3, a porosity of 84%, and an energy absorption capacity of up to 28 MJ/kg. As a result, this lightweight hybrid composite metal foam can be used for crush protection of vehicles and blast mitigation, mainly security vehicles operating in high-risk environments such as battlefields and other comparable missions. |