Numerical Modeling of the Porosity Influence on the Elastic Properties of Sintered Materials

The effect of structural porosity on the elastic properties of sintered materials was studied using the new multi pore unit cell numerical model - MPUC. Comparison between proposed MPUC model and previously adopted two-phase unit cell - FCC numerical model as well as available experimental data in literature, was done by comparing obtained values for modulus of elasticity - E, shear modulus - G and Bulk modulus - K. Results obtained by proposed MPUC model are in excellent agreement with available experimental data in literature. It was confirmed that material porosity regarding pores' size (volume fraction) has noticeable influence on elastic properties of sintered material. Less porosity in the material microstructure generally leads to noticeable higher values of E, G and K. For fixed volume fraction, shape of pores has no significant influence on elastic characteristics.