TRIBOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, vol.96, pp.1-10, 2016 (SCI-Expanded)
In this study, multiparticle finite element (MPFE) approach was used to analyze contact interactions of spherical copper particles in powder compaction process. To this goal, 74 spherical copper particles of 200 in diameter were modeled as individual elastic-plastic bodies, and randomly filled into a die cavity. Interparticle and die-wall-particle contact interactions were investigated, and coefficients of friction were obtained using variable friction models; Wanheim-Bay's general friction model and Levanov's friction model. Variable friction models were incorporated into FE analyses through user subroutines. It was found that the variation of contact stresses inside the die leads to different contact conditions at different zones. The range of coefficient of friction encountered in the analysis was found to be slightly higher in Levanov's friction model than that for Wanheim-Bay's general friction model. On the other hand, Levanov's model was found to be more appropriate for elevated temperature analyses. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.