Elastic–plastic response of structural foams subjected to localized static loads

Structural foams are increasingly used in engineering applications where high strength and low weight are important. They are used also as energy absorbers. Sandwich structures are a typical area for application of structural foams (as core materials). In a sandwich structure, the core transfers the transverse forces as shear stresses and supports the face sheets against buckling and wrinkling. The structural foams are notoriously sensitive to failure by the application of localized surface loads. Thus, the proper design requires an understanding of the mechanical response of the foam materials to localized external loads.