Abstract
The results of the authors' analytical review of methods for obtaining aluminum foam and casting billets from it are presented. Examples of technologies for producing aluminum foam are given, and the main disadvantages are described. The technological scheme for obtaining aluminum foam is proposed, according to which foam and pore-forming agent in the form of "dry ice" granules are inputted into the aluminum melt directly in the working cavity of the mold. This scheme allows to produce foam aluminum plates for subsequent machining, as well as complex shaped castings, the overall dimensions of which are limited only by the ability of the mold to hold pressure during CO2 sublimation. The authors suggest to conduct mathematical modeling to compare the characteristics of products made of aluminum, magnesium and aluminum foam to replace parts and components in the aircraft and space industries. The authors assume that the uniform structure and diameter of the cells in the volume of the casting positively affect the technical characteristics of the product, such as flexural and torsional strength. According to the authors, replacing parts and assemblies made of magnesium alloy with aluminum foam will reduce the weight of lightweight structures, operating under static loads, low and elevated temperatures, and increase theirs strength characteristics.
Keywords
Aluminum foam, foaming agent, dry ice, granule, sublimation.