The consolidation of metal powders is a complex thermomechanical process, and the temperature has a significant effect on the density distribution in the compact. The consolidation process of metal powders with an average particle size of 10 μm, 25 μm, and 50 μm under hot isostatic pressure was simulated by finite element modeling. The distribution and evolution of the relative density after being hot isostatic pressing (HIP) under 1050 °C/130 MPa/4 h, 1150 °C/130 MPa/4 h, and 1250 °C/130 MPa/4 h conditions were simulated, respectively. The experimental data of HIP at 1050 °C/130 MPa/4 h were used to verify the modeling results via the geometric change in the container. The relative density difference between the simulated results and the experimental results at different positions was less than 2%. This methodology called "modeling prediction, experimental validation" can accelerate experimental discovery in an economic manner.
Keywords: consolidation; hot isostatic pressing; metal powder; modeling; relative density.