COMPUTER MODELING OF SINTERING IN CERAMICS

A computer model of the sintering process has been developed to study the evolution of the microstructure in a sintered part as a function of the volumetric density. The model of the sintering process begins with a particle packing model, which generates a close-packed array of particles. A Representative Volume Element (RVE) of the packing is selected and examined. Next is densification, which is simulated by uniformly increasing the radii of the particles.Two dimensionless parameters, the intercept ratio Λ and the surface area ratio Ψ, are used to quantify the model. This model shows good results at lower packing densities. Areas in which the model can be improved and extended are also highlighted.The intent of this model is to predict the final microstructure of a sintered part based on its geometry and its stereology. It treats the sintering process as continuous, without the stages normally used to describe sintering