Constitutive modelling of powder compaction and sintering

In this paper, the current status of modelling the compaction and sintering of particulate materials is reviewed. Recent theoretical and experimental studies are described. It is argued that models used to design processes must be robust and simple, but they must be based on a sound understanding of the underlying micromechanics. The models can then be extrapolated from the laboratory to the design environment with confidence. An important stage in this process is the identification of the dominant micromechanical events and the development of constitutive relationships which accurately model these events. Where appropriate, deficiencies in the current models are described and areas where additional modelling is required are identified. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.