Hamdan, Z., Bakhy, S., Jweeg, M. (2025). Free vibration analysis of aluminum foam metal sandwich panels: a comparative study between numerical and analytical modelling. , 43(1), 58-74. doi: 10.30684/etj.2024.153779.1821
Zahra K. Hamdan; Sadeq H. Bakhy; Muhsin J. Jweeg. "Free vibration analysis of aluminum foam metal sandwich panels: a comparative study between numerical and analytical modelling". , 43, 1, 2025, 58-74. doi: 10.30684/etj.2024.153779.1821
Hamdan, Z., Bakhy, S., Jweeg, M. (2025). 'Free vibration analysis of aluminum foam metal sandwich panels: a comparative study between numerical and analytical modelling', , 43(1), pp. 58-74. doi: 10.30684/etj.2024.153779.1821
Hamdan, Z., Bakhy, S., Jweeg, M. Free vibration analysis of aluminum foam metal sandwich panels: a comparative study between numerical and analytical modelling. , 2025; 43(1): 58-74. doi: 10.30684/etj.2024.153779.1821

Free vibration analysis of aluminum foam metal sandwich panels: a comparative study between numerical and analytical modelling

Engineering and Technology Journal
Volume 43, Issue 1, January 2025, Pages 58-74    PDF (1.39 M)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.30684/etj.2024.153779.1821
Authors
Zahra K. Hamdan* 1; Sadeq H. Bakhy2; Muhsin J. Jweeg3
1Mechanical Engineering Dept., University of Technology-Iraq, Alsina’a street, 10066 Baghdad, Iraq. Mechanical Engineering Dept., College of Engineering, Mustansiriyah University-Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq.
2Mechanical Engineering Dept., University of Technology-Iraq, Alsina’a street, 10066 Baghdad, Iraq.
3College of Technical Engineering, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq.
Abstract
This study investigates the natural frequencies and vibrational behavior of aluminum foam sandwich panels by using numerical and analytical methods. The panels consist of an aluminum foam core sandwiched between two aluminum sheets, offering a lightweight yet structurally robust solution, making them ideal for applications in the aerospace and automotive industries. A mathematical model based on classical plate theory (CPT) was developed to compute the natural frequencies of supported rectangular sandwich plates. The Gibson-Ashby equation was employed to estimate the Young's modulus of the aluminum foam core. The analytical model was validated using finite element analysis (FEA) conducted in ANSYS 2021 R1, allowing for a thorough comparison between numerical and analytical results. The results showed strong agreement between the numerical and theoretical analysis, especially at high foam densities. The discrepancies between the numerical simulation and analytical predictions decreased with increasing foam density. For instance, at a density of 850 kg/m³, the difference between the numerical natural frequency (674 Hz) and the analytical prediction (681.75 Hz) was only 1.14%. In contrast, at a lower density of 350 kg/m³, the discrepancy increased to 8.52%, with numerical and analytical frequencies of 739.66 Hz and 808.51 Hz, respectively. This trend can be attributed to the complexities in the material behavior at lower densities, which the analytical model simplifies by neglecting nonlinear deformations and complex stress distributions. As foam density increases, the material exhibits more consistent mechanical properties, resulting in closer alignment between numerical and analytical results. Moreover, higher foam densities contribute to an increase in mass, which negatively affects the natural frequency, causing it to decrease. Conversely, an increase in Young's modulus enhances the stiffness of the material, resulting in higher natural frequencies. Therefore, the optimal foam density range of 350 to 450 kg/m³ is crucial for achieving a good balance between stiffness and weight. Maintaining a lightweight structure while improving stiffness is essential for achieving optimal performance. Consequently, these panels are particularly suitable for applications in the aerospace and automotive sectors that require lightweight, high-performance structures.

Highlights
  • The natural frequency of aluminum foam sandwich panels was studied using numerical and analytical methods.
  • A CPT-based model was developed for frequency analysis, with Young’s modulus computed via Gibson-Ashby.
  • FEA in ANSYS validated the analytical results, showing strong agreement between both methods.
  • Higher foam density lowers frequencies, while increased Young’s modulus enhances stiffness.
  • Foam densities of 350–450 kg/m³ optimize stiffness-to-weight balance for aerospace panel design
Keywords
Aluminum foam; Sandwich panels; Natural frequency; Finite element analysis (FEA); Classical plate theory (CPT)
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