ABSTRACT

References .....................................................................................................................................123

Metallic foams are porous metals consisting of gas-filled pores with metallic materials between the

pores. According to pore connectivity, they are categorized into open cell and closed cell metallic

foams. In open cell metallic foams, metallic struts form the structure frame, and open pores are

interconnected. In closed cell foams, the pores filled with gas are isolated by cell wall metal.

Figure 5.1 shows two representative foam structures of open and closed cell metallic foams.

Both types of foam are lightweight structures with a large surface to volume ratio; however,

most of the pore surfaces in closed cell foams do not function. They are generally used as structural

materials to fill space and support weight in various industries, such as the aerospace, construction,

automobile, shipbuilding, and railway industries [1-4].