The research is a very broad investigation into the mechanics of powder consolidation, incorporating a large number of materials problems related to consolidation of metal, ceramic and composite powders through the addition of heat, pressure and shear stresses. The research includes the use of 3-D finite element modelling of the stresses, and various models, from a wide range of sources, for the effects of pressure and stresses on densification. The program also addresses the issue of microstructure control, i.e., the problem of coarsening in the latter stages of consolidation, and the various complications associated with the production of composite materials, consisting of several discrete phases with significantly different behavior during consolidation. The research will also investigate the behavior of a great variety of metal, ceramic and composite materials through experimental measurements on materials during the consolidation process, and through characterization of microstructures at various stages of the consolidation process.
