Aluminum foam microstructural deformation measurement using digital image correlation and finite element method

Document Type : Industry Article

Authors

1 Industrial engineering group, Engineering department, Islamic Azad University, Tehran North Branch.

2 Mechanical Engineering Department, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran

3 Civil. Eng., Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training Univ., Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Cellular solids especially metallic foams have unique characteristics especially in energy absorption applications and good strength to weight ratio. So the uniaxial crushing tests are essential for characterization purposes. The main problem in the mechanical behavior investigations is impossibility to use strain gages and other contact methods for displacement and strain measurement purpose because of their porosity on the faces. In the present research we manipulate the digital image correlation or simply DIC technique for deformation and strain field measurement in quasi-static uniaxial compression test. We use GOM inspect and NCORR software for DIC implementation. Using the image processing method, the displacement and strain field are obtained continuously. For verification purpose, we conduct comprehensive finite element simulation using ABAQUS 2019 commercial non-linear code. Due to the importance of micro-structural modeling in mechanical behavior prediction of cellular solids, we use geometric reconstruction technique based on computed tomography or CT scan images. Also geometric modifications are performed using digital optical microscope. Comparison of DIC results and FEA simulation outputs shows good accordance.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 January 2026
  • Receive Date: 23 August 2021
  • Revise Date: 29 December 2025
  • Accept Date: 08 June 2022