Collaborative Research: Validated Multiscale Simulation Framework for Large-strain Thermo-mechanical Response of Open-Cell Aluminum Foams

该项目汇集了三所大学的分析、计算和测试能力，用于开发、验证和软件实施从线性行为到完全粉碎的开孔泡沫铝热机械响应的多尺度方法。加州大学洛杉矶分校的团队将开发一套高保真模拟模块，这些模块将在微尺度上产生开孔泡沫铝的热机械响应。普渡大学的团队将建立基本的多尺度框架，利用该框架可以有效地分析完整的结构(不仅包括泡沫)。伊利诺伊理工学院的团队将进行必要的实验，以校准和验证所提出的建模方法。这些实验将以定制的仪器和独特的测量为特色，能够以必要的细节探测开孔泡沫塑料的热机械行为。该研究项目的总体目标是通过为设计工程师提供有效的模拟工具，促进泡沫铝作为承重结构构件的广泛使用。这种使能技术的潜在社会效益是有助于降低从汽车、有轨电车到电梯等多种交通系统的能源消耗。该项目还将在参与机构开展教育、外联和培训活动，这些活动与拟议的研究计划相结合。这些活动将在不断增长的多尺度力学领域吸引和教育研究生和本科生，并在年轻的高中生和即将入学的新生中提高对STEM(科学、技术、工程和数学)学科的认识并激发他们的兴趣。

This project brings together analytical, computational and testing capabilities of three universities for the development, validation, and software implementation of a multi-scale method for thermo-mechanical response of open-cell Aluminum foams, from linear behavior to complete crushing. The University of California Los Angeles team will develop a suite of high-fidelity simulation modules that will yield the thermo-mechanical response of open-cell Aluminum foams at the micro-scale. The Purdue University team will build the essential multiscale framework with which a complete structure (comprising not only foams) can be efficiently analyzed. The Illinois Institute of Technology team will conduct the experiments that are needed to calibrate and validate the proposed modeling approaches. These experiments will feature custom instruments and unique measurements that will enable the probing of thermo-mechanical behavior of open-cell foams with requisite detail.The over-arching goal of this research project is to facilitate widespread use of Aluminum foams as load-bearing structural members, by providing a validated simulation tool to design engineers. The potential societal benefit of this enabling technology is to help reduce energy consumption in a multitude of transportation systems that range from automobiles and railroad cars to elevators. The project will also feature educational, outreach and training activities at participating institutions that are integrated with the proposed research program. These activities will engage and educate graduate and undergraduate students in the growing area of multiscale scale mechanics, and create awareness and stimulate interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines among young high school students, and incoming freshmen.