Analysis of Acoustic and Mechanical Performance of Steel Foam Structural Parameters Using Design of Experiments

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of pore size, porosity, and thickness on the acoustic and mechanical properties of 316L steel foam. Specimens with structural parameters—pore sizes (1 and 4 mm), porosities (45% and 60%), and thicknesses (10 and 30 mm)—are fabricated using the pressureless slurry sintering method. Employing Yates's experimental design and analysis of variance (ANOVA), the influences of these factors on the sound absorption coefficient and compressive mechanical properties are systematically examined. Results indicate that 316L steel foam with 60% porosity consistently outperforms 45% porosity specimens in sound absorption across all conditions, underscoring the primary role of porosity in enhancing sound absorption performance. Additionally, increased foam thickness shifts the sound absorption peak to lower frequencies, resulting in improved absorption in low-frequency ranges. Regarding compressive mechanical properties, lower-porosity steel foam demonstrates superior energy absorption capacity. ANOVA results further confirm that porosity is the most influential factor affecting both sound absorption and compressive performance, with no significant interaction effects among pore size, porosity, and thickness. Overall, compared to pore size and thickness, porosity emerges as the critical parameter governing the acoustic and mechanical properties of 316L steel foam, exerting opposing effects on sound absorption and compressive strength.