Importance of Aluminum Foam - Essay Example

Aluminum foam is used as gas diffusers and mixers. In addition, these foams have found application as liquid/gas separator as a result of the three-dimensional continuous ligament, which facilitate the complete removal of entrained liquids. The continuously connected aluminum structure ensures that particles are not generated within the liquid/gas generator.

As energy and impact absorbent (ERG; MIT) Aluminum foam can act as energy and impact absorbent when the density and alloy of the foam are varied, provided the foam’s isotropic properties gives identical response without regards to impact angle. Indeed, it has been found that a high strength-to-weight ratio performs better and provides greater shear strength than honeycomb of the same density. As compact heat exchangers (ERG) The excellent heat conducting property of aluminum combined with the high surface area to volume ratio as well as the ligament structure of the foam makes aluminum foam good compact heat exchangers.

Indeed, the high surface area to volume ratio makes for more compact designs, while thorough mixing and efficient scrubbing of the heat exchange surfaces is provided by the ligament structure. Other applications of aluminum foams (ERG) Their cellular nature mimics those of cancerous bone materials found in the body. Thus aluminum foam is used in bio-mimicking.in orthopedic research and testing. In addition, the foams can be incorporated into systems as spark and flame arrestor as a result of their low-pressure drops properties.

Furthermore, these foams are highly desirable for fuel cell applications due to their open structures. Indeed, the foams have being used in this regards by military, emergency, industrial and recreational personnel. As mentioned above, aluminum is reputed for its excellent heat as well as electricity-conducting properties. These properties combined with the foam’s cellular nature have made it an excellent heat exchange media and chemical support matrix for atmospheric carbon (IV) oxide control systems on the space shuttle and International Space Station.

Unlike the amine powder granules that can also provide similar chemical support for atmospheric carbon (IV) oxide, but require heat to initiate the process, the aluminum foam does not require any heat to kick off the reaction. Thus the foam is more efficient and has a faster response rate.