An integrated software environment for finite element simulation of powder compaction processes

In this paper, an integrated software environment is demonstrated for computational simulation of powder forming processes. The powder compaction software, PCS_SUT, is designed in both popularity and functionality with the development of user-friendly pre- and post-processing software. Pre-processing software is used to create the model, generate an appropriate finite element grid, apply the appropriate boundary conditions, and view the total model. Post-processing provides visualization of the computed results. In PCS_SUT, a numerical model is developed based on a Lagrangian finite element formulation for large deformations, a cap plasticity theory for non-linear behaviour of material, and a contact algorithm for the frictional treatment of powder–tool. The paper will present details of the environment and include an example of the integration of application software.