Porous and Cellular Materials for Structural Applications: Symposium Held April 13-15, 1998, San Francisco, California, U.S.A (Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings)

Because of their unique thermal, acoustic and energy-absorbing properties, porous and cellular materials are gaining renewed attention as structural materials, particularly as components of very high stiffness-to-weight structures. A diverse and international group of experts come together in this volume to discuss recent developments in the area of porous and cellular materials, including polymer-, ceramic- and metal-based materials. A theoretical look at the mechanical behavior of porous and cellular materials is presented. Design principles for the use of solid foams in structures are also addressed, and a number of promising applications for porous and cellular materials are featured. A significant portion of the volume is devoted to new porous materials that cannot be classified as foams, such as hollow spheres, hot isostatically compacted and expanded (HICE) materials and GASAR materials. Papers delivered on these novel materials cover their manufacture, properties and prospective uses.