A process for the production of cellular metals is described. The process consists of preparing a refractory mold, filling the mold with soluble granules which correspond to the size and shape of the pores de-sired in the metal and infiltrating the molten metal into this soluble aggregate. After leaching with a suitable solvent, the metal has a void structure of interconnecting cells which correspond to the shape and size of the soluble aggregate. The apparent density of the metal body can be controlled from a maximum of approximately one-third of its base density to some lower density in the order of one-fifth the base density.nIn addition to process development, which includes casting of shapes as well as billets, a limited investigation of the mechanical and thermal characteristics of aluminum-base cellular metal was made. Potential applications for materials of this type are suggested.
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