Neural network-driven interpretability analysis for evaluating compressive stress in polymer foams

This research presents a method to analyze how neural network models, applied to Expanded Polypropylene and Expanded Polystyrene foams, predict their compressive stress responses. By using SHAP values and Partial Dependence Plots, the study elucidates the models’ decision-making processes. It focuses on three main features for both materials: density, loading rate, and strain, with an additional feature concerning loading and unloading for Expanded Polystyrene foam. The findings highlight that increased density and loading rate are closely correlated with higher compressive responses, and strain emerges as the most influential factor for the response of both materials. Partial Dependence Plots reveal a linear relationship with density, whereas other variables demonstrate non-linear relationships. These results validate the use of neural networks in analyzing material behavior, showing that the models’ outputs are in line with empirical observations. In conclusion, as presented, the integration of interpretability tools with neural network models offers a robust method for material response analysis, contributing to a deeper understanding of material science.