A constitutive model for densification of metal compacts: the case of copper

A hybrid constitutive model for densification of metallic powders is proposed. It is based on a plasticity model for porous materials combined with a constitutive description of dislocation density evolution. The model was applied to the case of the uniaxial die compaction of copper powders. Densification behaviour during powder compaction, including the dislocation density evolution and the variation of the relative density of the compact, was simulated. The model was gauged by comparing the simulation results with experimental data generated by the cylindrical die compaction tests on copper powder.