Abstract
Fabrication of graded pore structure in porous metal is attempted by powder method. Layers of aluminum powder mixed with different amounts of a foaming agent are compacted into cylindrical precursors and heated up in a furnace with or without tubular molds. The influence of molding on the shape change and the pore formation in the precursors is examined. The distortion of the precursors due to graded foaming under gravity is suppressed by molding, and the pore distribution can be also produced unless excessive constraint of deformation is imposed.
