Random packings of stainless steel hollow spheres are characterised with static X-ray tomography. Compression tests were performed on the foams and size effects were investigated. Relevant parameters of the macroscopic mechanical behaviour are extracted and scaling law based on the foams initial density are given and used to predict the energy absorbed at densification. In situ X-ray tomography compressive test were carried out in order to analyse damage mechanisms at the mesoscale. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.