Multifunctionality of cellular metal systems

Cellular metals have ranges of thermomechanical properties that suggest the ir implementation in ultralight structures, as well as for impact/blast ame lioration systems, for heat dissipation media and in acoustic isolation. Th e realization of these applications requires that the properties of cellula r metals be understood in terms of their manufacturing constraints and that their thermostructural benefits over competing concepts be firmly establis hed. This overview examines the mechanical and thermal properties of this m aterial class, relative to other cellular and dense materials. It also prov ides design analyses for prototypical systems which specify implementation opportunities relative to competing concepts. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd . All rights reserved.