3 ms·
This article refers to the metal foam being able to compress "without deforming". Now, I'm no materials specialist, but as a mechanical engineering senior, that
by ehsanul 17y ago
This article refers to the metal foam being able to compress "without deforming". Now, I'm no materials specialist, but as a mechanical engineering senior, that makes no sense to me. The whole point of the material seems to be to deform in a predictable and useful manner. Maybe I'm interpreting it all wrong.
It seems like the point of it is to absorb as much kinetic energy as possible by deforming, probably from an impact, while slowing the impact to reduce the force and avoiding structural failure.
- GavinB 17y agoI think the idea is that the deformation isn't permanent--after compressing, it will spring back.
- electromagnetic 17y agoAgreed. How I read it 'deformation' is being used to describe an irreversible change to the metal foam's structure. This is akin to the flex-frames used in glasses, they frequently lose their originally designed form (deforming), however they will retain it once the external force is removed. I believe they should be using 'permanent deformation' here to clarify the importance. Although I'm sure there's likely a better and more accurate term out there. It is confusing if you read 'deform' as you would for the result gained from poking styrofoam or bending a spoon.
- tsawtell 17y agoThe materials science term for permanent deformation is plastic deformation. Deformation from which the material spontaneously recovers is called elastic deformation. I think the article is indicating that the metal foam can undergo up to 80% elastic deformation.