Foam-filled fenders possess remarkable energy absorption capabilities, which can be analyzed from the perspectives of material properties, structural design, and performance.

Material Properties

• Lightweight and Highly Elastic: The interior of foam-filled fenders is filled with lightweight, highly elastic closed-cell foamed materials such as foamed polyurethane, foamed EVA, or foamed rubber. These materials exhibit good elasticity. When subjected to ship impacts, they can rapidly deform, converting the kinetic energy of the ship into elastic potential energy of the material, thereby effectively absorbing the impact energy. After the impact ends, the material can return to its original shape, preparing for the next impact.

• Excellent Cushioning Performance: The numerous tiny air pores inside these closed-cell foamed materials act as small cushioning units. When compressed by external forces, these air pores are further compressed, enhancing the cushioning effect of the material. They can disperse and absorb impact forces, reducing the direct forces acting on the ship and wharf/dock structures, and providing protection.

Structural Design

• Advantages of Double-Layer Structure: Some foam-filled fenders adopt a double-layer structure, consisting of a polyurea outer protective layer and a polyurethane foam body. The outer protective layer not only enhances the corrosion resistance of the fender but also, to some extent, constrains the internal foamed material, enabling it to more effectively concentrate energy for absorption when subjected to impacts. Meanwhile, this structure helps maintain the overall stability of the fender, ensuring the reliability of the energy absorption process.

Performance

• High Energy Absorption Efficiency: Foam-filled fenders demonstrate extremely high energy absorption efficiency during the compression deformation process. Studies have shown that they can remain structurally stable even when compressed by 60%, with a significant gradient change in reaction force, enabling efficient absorption of ship impact energy. Compared to traditional pneumatic fenders, their energy absorption capacity has been significantly improved, providing better protection for wharves and ships against damage.

• Stable Energy Absorption Process: Throughout the energy absorption process, foam-filled fenders exhibit relatively stable performance. Unlike some other types of fenders that may experience sudden energy release or performance degradation upon impact, the stable energy absorption process of foam-filled fenders provides continuous and reliable protection for wharves and ships.