Deformation of Flexible Polyether Polyurethane Foams with Bimodal Cellular Structure

Abstract

Structural and mechanical properties of light-weight flexible polyether polyurethane foams with bimodal cellular structures are discussed. The formation of a two level cellular structure (β- and α-, respectively from 0.1 to 0.6 and from 3 to 12 mm in diameter) were considered. Compressive stress-strain curves of flexible foams with monomodal and bimodal cellular structures were evaluated for a wide range of strain rates. The Dementjev-Tarakanov 14-sided model of polyhedron structure was used in calculations using the elastic parameters method. This paper discusses research and develops a method of calculation of heterogeneity and deformation of flexible foams reviewing the results of laboratory and calculation investigations.