Near net shape processing of a sintered alumina component: adjustment of pressing parameters through finite element simulation

Near net shape forming of alumina powder by cold die pressing and pressureless sintering was investigated. From experimental data of triaxial compression test of alumina powder, a hyperbolic cap model with a critical state line was proposed for densification of alumina powder at room temperature. For pressureless sintering, the phenomenological model for densification and viscous behavior of alumina powder proposed by Kim and co-workers was used. The constitutive models were implemented into a finite element program (ABAQUS) to simulate densification of alumina powder under cold die pressing and pressureless sintering. Finite element results were compared with experimental data for density distribution and deformation of an alumina powder compact under cold die pressing and pressureless sintering. New conditions of compaction were then proposed to reduce the distortion of the sintered part.