Numerical simulation of powder compaction processes using an inelastic finite element analysis

In this paper, a combined experimental and numerical investigation is described for powder compaction processes. It utilises material properties derived from experimental work as input for inelastic analysis of a finite element model. Numerical modelling of the powder compaction process is performed using a large-displacement finite element method. Powder material parameters, such as cohesion, internal friction angle and Youngʹs modulus, were experimentally established as functions of relative density. These non-linear functions are incorporated into the inelastic analysis of the finite element model in order to establish model input parameters during different stages of compaction. Finally, powder behaviour during the compaction of a 3D bush component is numerically analysed.