SAMS Subject Classification Number: 12

Numerous studies in the literature have been devoted to the prediction of geometric and transport properties of open-celled foams, such as metal and ceramic foams, including the foam Representative Unit Cell (RUC) model developed at Stellenbosch University. The RUC modelling approach is an attractive modelling method due to the simple rectangular geometry, as well as its satisfying performance in comparison to other models and experimental data as proven elsewhere in the literature for porous media. Foams often contain solid lumps at the intersection of struts, known as nodes. Several authors from the literature have taken these lumps into consideration in their geometric models. In this study the foam RUC model is adjusted in a similar manner. Predictive equations are provided for the permeability and specific surface area prediction for high porosity foams based on the node adjusted RUC model, i.e. the adjusted RUC model where the lumps are incorporated at the nodes of the foam. Both the Darcy and Forchheimer permeability coefficients are presented and the permeability and specific surface area expressions are provided in terms of the porosity and pore diameter. A comparative analysis is furthermore included between the modified foam models found in the literature and the MRUC model. The models are evaluated through comparison with available experimental data in the literature.