Modeling of densification process for particle reinforced composites

Abstract

It is a well known fact that behavior of materials during consolidation at high temperatures is a very complex issue. Each mechanism that promotes densification, depends on a large number of parameters in many different ways, making the development of the densification process very difficult to plan. For that reason, any kind of model which could encompass large number of the influencing parameters would be a great contribution for easier planning and handling of the densification process. Modeling of densification process based on the papers of well-known authors, including a new appropriate modifications is presented in this work. Importance of this model is that it can be applicable to composite materials. This new model was tested on a real Al-SiC composite systems (Al-10 vol.% SiC, Al-30 vol.% SiC and Al-50 vol.% SiC). Predicted behavior of composites obtained by model calculations and the one defined through the experiments concur in the 7-30% range. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.