Plasma Activated Sintering--A Novel Rapid Consolidation Manufacturing Process

将研究一种新的等离子活化烧结（PAS）工艺，用于各种陶瓷、金属间化合物和电子材料的巩固，重点是开发一种包括材料加工问题、系统控制、过程自动化和技术转移到美国工业的PAS制造技术的潜力。该研究是一个跨学科的努力，涉及材料加工，制造和自动化。对Nb-Al和NiAl金属间化合物的PAS加工和AIN快速固结的具体研究将为这种新的强大的加工方法创造科学和工程基础，并制定最佳的工艺控制参数。基于对PAS巩固机制的基本理解，将开发一个过程模型。工艺参数的评估将使用现代微观结构分析技术（以确定相形成、晶粒尺寸和晶界结构），并结合密度和机械性能测量进行。与未来先进PAS技术相关的架构和功能也将作为研究的一部分进行设计，以预测PAS工艺智能制造的潜力，并最终将这项有前途的技术转移到美国工业。

A new plasma activated sintering (PAS) process for consolidation of a variety of ceramic, intermetallic, and electronic materials will be investigated with a focus on the potential for developing a PAS manufacturing technology encompassing materials processing issues, system control, process automation, and technology transfer to US industry. The research is an interdisciplinary effort involving materials processing, manufacturing and automation. Specific research on PAS processing of Nb-Al and NiAl intermetallics and AIN rapid consolidation will be performed to create the scientific and engineering foundation of this new and powerful processing method and to develop optimal process control parameters. Based on the fundamental understanding of the mechanism of PAS consolidation, a process model will be developed. The evaluation of process parameters will be performed using modern microstructural analysis techniques (to determine phase formation, grain size, and grain boundary structure) in conjunction with density and mechanical properties measurements. Architectures and functions relevant to an advanced PAS technology for the future will also be designed as part of the research in anticipation of the potential for intelligent manufacturing by the PAS process and eventual transfer of this promising technology to US industry.