Numerical Study of Foam Microstructures and Their Vibration Behavior

As an acoustic material, foam can be sorted into different types according to their different microgeometry, based on the open-to-closed pores ratio. Previous experimental studies show that the different microgeometry types significantly influence the vibration behaviour of foams. Based on the tetrakaidecahedron shape, we use Finite Element Method (FEM) models to simulate unit cells of foams with different microgeometries by band structure analysis. The mode shapes, vibration eigenfrequencies, and frequency responses of three different types are compared. This study provides preliminary knowledge of how microstructure affects foams' vibration, especially on small-scale components.