GRAVITY-INDUCED SOLID GRAIN PACKING DURING LIQUID-PHASE SINTERING

The effects of gravity on the solid grain packing in liquid phase sint ering have been investigated by both theoretical and experimental anal yses. This treatment relies on quantitative microstructural measuremen ts to determine the solid volume fraction variation along the directio n of gravity. The model assumes that the grain packing coordination is proportional to the gravitational pressure and density difference bet ween solid and liquid phases. It is confirmed by sintering experiments on W-Ni, and is consistent with a computer simulation model previousl y reported by German.