Numerical modelling of dynamically loaded metal foam-filled square columns

The crushing behaviour of dynamically loaded metal foam-filled square columns has been investigated using an extended version of the existing self-similar pressure dependent constitutive model for metal foams. The model has been implemented in ABAQUS/Explicit and analyses have been conducted using different approaches to model the uniaxial and hydrostatic hardening behaviour of metal foams. A practical and reliable procedure to approximate the observed anisotropic behaviour within the computational framework of isotropic plasticity is introduced. The comparison between the available experimental and newly generated numerical results is presented in order to illustrate the accuracy and efficiency of the implemented model in predicting the crashworthiness of filled columns.