An analysis by direct numerical simulation of the effects of particle morphology on the shock compaction of copper powder

Shock processing consolidates powders at high dynamic pressures over a very short time span. In contrast to conventional sintering, the temperature distribution in the particles is not uniform. The temperature increase at a material point is caused by the mechanical work associated with the compression and plastic flow of the material. A numerical study of the effects of the particle morphology on the plastic flow, and, hence, the final temperature distribution in a powder, is presented. The accuracy of the numerical calculations is validated by comparing the calculated shock velocity-particle velocity relationship to a least-squares fit of experimental data.