Influence of particle arrangement on the compression of functionally graded metal syntactic foams

This study probes the systematic spatial variation of two different types of filler particles in Metal Syntactic Foams (MSFs). The particle distribution is utilized to fabricate longitudinal and radial functionally graded metal syntactic foams. In addition, MSFs containing a random mixture of the same particles are tested. All samples are produced using a single step counter-gravity infiltration casting process. Quasi-static compression tests are performed to investigate the mechanical properties and deformation mechanisms of the resulting MSFs. The results indicate that MSF deformation is a combination of shear band and layer-by-layer modes. Moreover, functionally grading along the longitudinal direction yields the highest plateau stress and energy absorption.