An Overview on Mechanical Characterisation of Metal Foams by Impact and Higher Strain Rate Loadings

Metal foams are one among the current active research topics the world over. They are increasingly being recognised as of utmost importance as far as low specific weight coupled with higher energy absorption requirement is concerned. They offer viable solutions to engineering problems involving protective structures which could be subject to impact loads during their service life. In recent times, fresh details regarding their behaviour under dynamic loading conditions have been reported by many researchers. In this overview article, an attempt has been made to keep the reader abreast with the latest happenings as regards the impact/High strain rate behavioural characterisation of metal foams while at the same time familiarise him with some of the underlying concepts relevant to this emerging subject.