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S. Badshah, M. Neumann, J. Wassermann:
"Modal analysis of aluminum structure filled with aluminum foam using scanning laser vibrometer";
Talk: ICSV15, 15th International Congress on Sound and Vibration, Daejon, Korea; 2008-07-06 - 2008-07-10; in: "Proceedings of 15th International Congress on Sound and Vibration (ICSV15)", (2008), ISBN: 978-89-961284-1-0; Paper ID SS0585, 7 pages.

In recent years the proposed use of lightweight metallic foams (most often of aluminum alloys) for use in energy absorption roles, such as automotive bumpers and packaging materials, machine construction, building and architectural industry, aerospace industry, ship building, sporting equipment has gained momentum. In order to effectively absorb impact energy, such a material must exhibit an extensive stress plateau in relation to strain brought on by an incident impact or collision of some sort. Aluminum foams meet this criterion. As aluminum foam offer greater rigidity, they could, in theory, dissipate as much energy as polymer foam in a much thinner layer.

In this paper, a comparative study is introduced to investigate and characterize the modal data of aluminum test structures filled with aluminum foam using scanning laser vibrometer. The laser beam continuously scans the surface of the structure under test at specified positions (measuring grid), while a broadband excitation signal is applied. Then aluminum foam is removed from the test structure and modal analysis of empty aluminum test structure is done
using the same measurement conditions. The experimental modal characteristics of both tests especially the damping characteristics are compared.