Particle-Level Investigation of Densification During Uniaxial Hot Pressing: Continuum Modeling and Experiments

A combination of continuum models and experiments is used to investigate the deformation of individual particles during hot pressing. Results are described for both monosized and bimodal particle distributions, including a simple bimodal composite system. The effects of pressure and temperature on the densification rate, particle shape, and stress and strain fields are described. The detailed strain fields calculated by the model are useful for predicting microstructural development during the pressing process and thus can aid in the design of optimal pressing cycles.