A FINITE-ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF THE SQUEEZE FLOW OF AN ELASTOVISCOPLASTIC PASTE MATERIAL

A finite element analysis of squeeze flow has been implemented for a m aterial that exhibits elasto-viscoplasticity. The formulation is based upon the assumption that linear elastic deformation occurs prior to y ield and that the yield surface is strain rate hardening as defined by an associated viscoplastic flow rule. Both no-slip and lubricated wal l boundary conditions are considered. The numerical simulation results are compared with experimental measurements involving a model elasto- viscoplastic material for which the material parameters were derived f rom tensile and ram extrusion measurements. Satisfactory agreement was obtained for the compressive forces as a function of displacement, th e radial displacement fields and the wail normal and shear stress dist ributions. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.