A mathematical model for gravity-induced distortion during liquid-phase sintering
- BDM Federal Corp., Arlington, VA (United States). Process Modelling and Design
- Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA (United States)
Liquid-phase-sintered materials consist of interconnected crystalline grains in a homogeneous matrix phase that forms a liquid during sintering. These composites exhibit viscous flow during sintering that allows densification. Gravitational forces give rise to compact distortion when there is a large amount of liquid at a high temperature. This article treats kinetic aspects of distortion during sintering of tungsten heavy alloys (W-Ni-Fe). The mathematical model predicts distortion and highlights the important variables influencing this phenomenon. The results provide guidelines for minimizing distortion due to gravity. Experiments conducted at several different sintering times show reasonably good agreement with theoretical predictions using the liquid-phase viscosity as single adjustable parameter. Theoretical predictions of the model are crucial to designing microgravity experiments aimed at understanding dimensional stability.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 31972
- Journal Information:
- Metallurgical Transactions, A, Journal Name: Metallurgical Transactions, A Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 26; ISSN 0360-2133; ISSN MTTABN
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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