A discrete finite element modelling and measurements for powder compaction

An experimental investigation into friction between powder and a target surface together with numerical modelling of compaction and friction processes at a micro-scale are presented in this paper. The experimental work explores friction mechanisms by using an extended sliding plate apparatus operating at low load while sliding over a long distance. Tests were conducted for copper and 316 steel with variation in loads, surface finish and its orientation. The behaviours of the static and dynamic friction were identified highlighting the important influence of particle size, particle shape, material response and surface topography. The results also highlighted that under light loading the friction coefficient remains at a level lower than that derived from experiments on equipment having a wider dynamic range and this is attributed to the enhanced sensitivity of the measurement equipment. The results also suggest that friction variation with sliding distance is a consequence of damage, rather than presentation of an uncontaminated target sliding surface. The complete experimental cycle was modelled numerically using a combined discrete and finite element scheme enabling exploration of mechanisms that are defined at the particle level. Using compaction as the starting point, a number of simulation factors and process parameters were investigated. Comparisons were made with previously published work, showing reasonable agreement and the simulations were then used to explore the process response to the range of particle scale factors. Models comprising regular packing of round particles exhibited stiff response with high initial density. Models with random packing were explored and were found to reflect trends that are more closely aligned with experimental observation, including rearrangement, followed by compaction under a regime of elastic then plastic deformation. Numerical modelling of the compaction stage was extended to account for the shearing stage of the extended sliding plate experiment. This allowed microscale simulations of the friction mechanisms seen within the experimental programme. The frictional response with similar stress level in the normal direction as reported for the experiment was first emulated and explored and qualitative agreement was achieved showing a similar pattern. The factors identified from the experiments were investigated on smooth and rough surfaces highlighting each effect. It was confirmed that the rough surface clearly leads to higher friction coefficient since it accounts for both plain friction and topographical effects and the average stress distribution increased against the restraining die wall when the rough surface was introduced for the model with round regular packing of particles. Random packed models again showed a better reflection of the experimental conditions. A wider distribution of stress was observed because of the further rearrangements. Interlocking was observed for the models with irregularly shaped particles on a rough surface, which led to an increase in normal stress on the top punch. This would lead to dilation in the case where a punch was force level controlled as for the experiment.