Numerical investigation of deformation behavior of aluminum beams reinforced with aluminum foam

In this paper, the mechanical behaviors of beams with square and circular cross-sections that are hollow and filled with foam have been studied under three-point bending using finite element analysis. Aluminum alloy AA6063-T6 and AlSi7 foam are considered tube materials and foam, respectively. The amount of deformation, bending strength, and energy absorption of the beams under different conditions were investigated and compared with each other; finally, sections with the highest bending strength and energy absorption capacity were determined. The results showed that in foam-filled beams, the bending strength has increased compared with hollow ones; also, the bending strength during loading is preserved after the first damage, even increasing. Double beams filled with foam (hollow composite beams) showed higher bending strength as well as energy absorption compared to solid composite beams, in spite of their lower weight. The highest amount of bending strength was observed in square-section beams filled with foam.