Characterization of polymeric structural foams under compressive impact loading by means of energy-absorption diagram

The mechanical properties at room temperature of three polymeric foams (namely EPP, PUR and PS/PA foams) have been experimentally evaluated in both static and impact loading conditions. The energy absorption characteristics have been examined both through the energy-absorption diagram method and through the efficiency diagram method. The meaning of the efficiency parameter, already used in the literature, has been explained in a proper, satisfactory way. It is shown that the maximum of the efficiency identifies the condition for optimal energy absorption of the foam, while the maximum stress reaches a value limited through other design considerations. The efficiency diagram method is then used to obtain synthetic diagrams useful to characterize the material and to help the design of energy absorbing components. These synthetic selection diagrams are obtained for the three tested materials. Finally, some consideration are drawn comparing the mechanical performance of the three considered types of foams and their dependency on density. © 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd.