3D numerical simulation of elasto-plastic behaviour in powder compaction process using a quasi-nonlinear technique

In this paper, the 3D analysis of metal powder during the cold compaction process is simulated by the finite element method based on deformation theories. Since the compaction process involves a very large reduction in volume, a large displacement finite element method is applied for the spatial discretization. During compaction, powders exhibit strain or work hardening, the volume reduces and the material becomes harder. In this study, a quasi-nonlinear analysis is carried out during the FE modelling of powder forming process. The material parameters are experimentally established as functions of relative density. These nonlinear functions are incorporated into the inelastic analysis of finite element model. Finally, the powder behaviour during the compaction of a 3D bush component is analysed numerically. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.