Computational Efficient Modeling of Supersolidus Liquid Phase Sintering in Multi-component Alloys for ICME Applications

Abstract

One of the challenges in computational design of pre-alloyed powders for sintering is the absence of predictive, efficient, and fast acting models that enable the design space of alloys to be tractable. This study presents an efficient and predictive model to simulate the densification as well as shape distortion of pre-alloyed powder compacts during supersolidus liquid phase sintering (SLPS). The model combines the generalized viscous theory of sintering with microstructural models for diffusional creep accommodated by viscous grain boundary sliding. Critical model parameters are obtained from thermodynamic modeling based on the calculation of phase diagrams (CalPhaD) and simulations of diffusional transformations in metals. The model is validated by comparing simulation results with experimental data from the literature for various types of engineering alloys. In addition, a processing window for defect free sintering of samples is presented by defining a microstructural softening parameter for a sintering body. The model can be used in the design of pre-alloyed powders for SLPS within the context of an integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) frameworks.