Discrete element simulations of constrained ceramic powder sintering

A particle-based simulation approach employing the discrete element method (DEM) is presented for ceramic powder sintering under geometric constraints. The grain-scale approach allows investigating how microscopic effects like grain rearrangement and anisotropic particle configurations influjence macroscopic sintering properties. It is shown that during constrained sintering of ceramic films anisotropy develops which has a substantial influence on strain rates and uniaxial viscosities. It is further shown that under certain circumstances, especially low green densities and high particle roughness, cracks develop during constrained sintering.