Distortion prediction during sintering using Monte Carlo method implemented with virtual springs

A computational simulation for sintering based on the Monte Carlo (MC) method implemented with a virtual spring was developed to predict the shrinkage and deformation of compacts. Conventional MC models do not sufficiently consider the local strain of the cells. The proposed model considered the local strain using a virtual spring in each cell. The model linked with the finite element method enables direct calculation of the deformation of the powder compacts. The results indicate that the distortion tendency of the simulations agreed with the experimental results of the sintering of Al2O3 powder compacts. Furthermore, the results indicate the potential of the model to predict the stress distribution in a microstructure during sintering.