Computer Simulation of the Microstructure Developed in Reaction‐Sintered Silicon Nitride Ceramics

A simulation model of the microstructure developed during the reaction sintering of ultrafine silicon powders is presented. The model employs interactive subroutines that describe particle compaction, sintering, and nitridation. The particle compaction model is based on a random particle packing model, whereas the sintering and reaction sintering models are based on the modified grain model and the sharp interface model (SIM). Microstructural changes due to the competition between chemical reaction and sintering are taken into account in the model. The results predicated by this model show good agreement with experimental data from previous studies.

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