Numerical homogenization of hybrid metal foams using the finite cell method

We present a numerical homogenization approach for hybrid metal foams, i.e. foams that are electrocoated to improve their mechanical properties. Based on the finite cell method, a spatial discretization of a µ CT-scan of the microstructure of the hybrid metal foam under investigation is derived and the window method is applied to compute effective material properties. We demonstrate that this method offers the possibility to efficiently compute and study the influence of the coating thickness of hybrid metal foams.