Finite element modeling of spark plasma sintering: Application to the reduction of temperature inhomogeneities, case of alumina

Increasing attention is being paid to numerical modeling of spark plasma sintering (SPS) due to its significant importance for the comprehension and the optimization of this process. In this study, SPS sintering experiments of alumina were performed and their results were used to develop faithful simulations of the temperature distribution, based on a thermal-electrical finite element model. Particular focus was put on the axial temperature distribution within the sample, rarely considered in the literature. The model was used to analyze the influence of various experimental parameters potentially affecting the temperature distribution (axial asymmetry, die location and insulation) and simple methods, based on the die location and its insulation, are proposed to reduce the temperature inhomogeneities in the sample. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.