A constitutive model for the finite-element simulation of sintering - distortions and internal stresses.

Constitutive equations for the mechanical behavior of a sintering solid are derived from a microscopic model. The shrinkage and shear deformation of a microstructure with hexagonal grains and pores at the triple points are assumed to occur by grain boundary diffusion. The resulting constitutive equations are implemented into a finite-element program. As an example, the hipping of a finite cylinder with a denser core and a less dense mantle is analyzed