Abstract
The objective of this study is to develop an analytical approach for evaluating mechanical properties of polymeric foam material by the two-dimensional finite element analysis using homogenization method. From observation of cross-section structure, porosity, mean cell diameter and dispersion of cell diameter were investigated using one foam material. Those characteristics were similar in any cross-sections. As a result of the investigation, it is possible to consider one cross-section as a representative cross-section of foam material. Then, a unit cell model for numerical simulation of microscopic structure was created. Two-dimensional finite element analysis based on a formulation of homogenization theory was performed, and the analysis results were compared with a uniaxial compression test result. As a result of the comparison, the effect of foam material structure on mechanical properties was evaluated.
