Abstract
A test rig was developed to monitor the rapid volumetric compression or expansion of low-density polymeric foams. Relative air pressures of 7 to -1 bar were applied, and the foam volume change monitored via a displacement transducer. The response and isotropy of extruded polystyrene, low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene bead foams were investigated. The foam volume vs pressure response was fitted with an equation reflecting the air-compression contribution, and data generated for Finite Element Analysis (FEA). However, the crushable foam model in ABAQUS was found not to match the foam unloading response. The bulk modulus of LDPE foams increased when wrinkled cell faces straightened after some pressure reduction. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 313-322 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Polymer Testing |
Volume | 23 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 May 2004 |