GOALI: Plasma Activated Sintering (PAS) of Tungsten Based Powders

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Abstract CTS-9632280 A combined modeling and experimental investigation of the basic mechanisms of consolidation in the Plasma Activated Sintering (PAS) process will be undetaken, with illustration to a high temperature metal (tungsten) powder. Special focus will be on understanding the role of the electric field and particle surface activation on sintering. The phenomena necessary developing a manufacturing process applicable to the consolidation of high quality tungsten powders, including the resultant microstructure, will be analyzed. The computer simulation considers five sintering mechanisms, including surface and grain boundary diffusion, volume diffusion from the surface and contact area, and evaporation-condensation. This GOALI (Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry) project will be performed in collaboration with Teledyne Co. The company will participate to the research effort, provide some basic materials and equipment, and support summer fellowship in industry for a graduate student working on the project during the academic year. The results are expected to develop a scientific foundation applicable to other powders than tungsten-based. PAS has the ability to consolidate powders in minutes as compared to hours for conventional sintering, and has particular relevance to net shape manufacturing. ***