Densification behavior of aluminum alloy powder mixed with zirconia powder inclusion under cold compaction

Densification behavior of composite powders was investigated under cold compaction. Experimental data were obtained for aluminum alloy powder mixed with zirconia powder inclusion under triaxial compression. The Cap model with constraint factors was implemented into a finite element program (ABAQUS) to simulate compaction responses of composite powders during cold compaction. Finite element results were compared with experimental data for densification behavior of composite powders under cold isostatic pressing and die compaction. The agreement between experimental data and finite element calculations from the Cap model with the constraint factors was good for composite powders with low volume fractions of inclusions.