Analysis of closed cell metal composites

Composites of closed metal cells, in which the cells have uniform wall thickness and which confine a fluid in their interior, are modeled using cylindrical cells with square, hexagonal and circular cross sections. The analysis of their predicted mechanical behaviors in compression includes the effects of fluids and pressure in the cell interiors. A specialized finite element program is developed to account for the internal pressure. The finite element calculations predict the compressive stiffness of filled cell composites. Results for elastic and plastic cell wall deformation are also presented. Compared to the ambient air cell structures, the composites if internally pressurized or fluid-filled cells show increased compressive stiffness and delayed onset of plastic yielding.