Computer Modelling of Sintering at Different Length Scales

Sintering is a manufacturing technique that has existed for centuries to make bricks, china and pottery and is now used to produce high-tech materials and products. The process forms ceramic and metallic solids from powders and is used to manufacture automotive parts, valves & pumps, magnets, bio-ceramics and materials for nanotechnology. Modern modelling techniques are now employed to improve the efficiency of sintering.

This book covers modern techniques in sintering and bridges the gap between the mathematical nature of some modelling techniques and the practical needs of industry. Sintering models are shown to be applied at three length scales. Sintering is viewed as a multi-scale process and the mathematical techniques linking the models at the three scales are discussed. Powder compaction models are outlined and programming and numerical issues discussed. Two computer programmes used for modelling sintering are provided on the CD.