Innovative metal foam structures - chances for the improvement of crash behaviour

Metal foams and especially aluminium foams have found their way into passive safety applications because of their high ability to absorb crash deformation energy. In this presentation current applications of metal foams are illustrated and new developments which offer new design possibilities with metal foams are introduced. In consideration of additional aspects like fire protection requirements, weight and fuel consumption reduction metal foams have contributed to new and advantageous design solutions. The further development of already existing metal foams and the development of new foam types with improved properties will enlarge the range of application for this material group.