Abstract
Sintered aluminum fiber is one of the open-cell porous metals. Present study examines the potential application for landing gear of SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) explorer. Quasi-static and dynamic compressive tests were carried out using a universal testing machine and a drop hammer type impact testing machine, respectively. Plateau stress of the sintered aluminum fiber reduce with reducing the specimen size, which is called size effect. On the other hand, plateau stress is independent of the initial compressive strain rate. Free fall experiments using a real size model of SLIM explorer revealed advantages of sintered aluminum fiber for impact energy absorbing material.
