MODEL FOR COMPACTION OF METAL POWDERS

A new yield criterion for metal powder compaction based on continuum m echanics has been proposed. It includes three parameters to characteri ze the geometric hardening of powder compact and strain hardening of i ncompressible metal matrix. The elasto-plastic finite element method t o describe compaction of metal powders has been formulated using the n ew yield criterion. The values of parameters in the yield criterion co uld be determined through cold isostatic pressing (CIP). The finite-el ement method was used to simulate compaction behaviour of copper powde rs of different shape and mean particle size. (C) 1998 Elsevier Scienc e Ltd. All rights reserved.