This research is on pressure consolidation of powders into advanced ceramic, metallic, and intermetallic composites. The goal of the research is to develop an ability to predict densification that will enable the selection of optimal temperatures and pressures for processing these advanced materials. Analytical and numerical modeling will be carried out for both homogeneous and composite materials. Related experiments will be conducted to provide insight into the important physical processes of consolidation. Emphasis will be placed on densification of powder around reinforcing fibers. Accordingly, experiments will be done to investigate the incidence of fiber failure during consolidation. Models will also be developed for fiber failure and for the effect of such failure on the final mechanical properties of the consolidated composite material. The science and technology developed in this project will make it possible to process advanced composites with the desired densified net shape and mechanical properties.
