Effects of Cell Morphology and Heat Treatment on Impact Energy Absorption Property of Porous Aluminum Used for Landing Gears of a Small Satellite

Abstract

Energy absorbing system for landing gears is an important on the SLIM project. Open cell porous aluminum manufactured through 3D selective laser melting (SLM) process has been applied on the energy absorbing system. Compressive tests for cylindrical and hemispherical shaped porous aluminum with different porosities revealed the high potential as an energy absorbing component. Heat treatment after SLM processing is effective to increase the energy absorbing potential of the porous aluminum.