WRAL: NC State Researchers Develop Metal Foam That Resists Extreme Impacts

WRAL — “NC State researchers develop metal foam that resists extreme impacts”

WRAL recently reported on NC State research showing that a lightweight “metal foam” could help prevent hazardous-material tank cars from rupturing during derailments—offering a potential safety upgrade for chemical and fuel transport. The coverage describes how the material’s airtight hollow spheres collapse under impact to absorb energy, rather than transmitting it through solid steel.

The story also highlights validation of a computer model in a new study published in Advanced Engineering Materials, and references prior full-scale testing involving a 300,000-pound ram car where composite metal foam helped keep steel intact. WRAL notes that prototype panels have already been built, and that commercialization efforts are underway through Advanced Materials Manufacturing to scale production and support evaluation by public- and private-sector partners.