Simulation Modeling of Forming Processes for Powder Mixtures

Simulation modeling results for powder mixtures comprised of saponite and stainless steel powders are presented. A literature review focusing on methods for modeling the filling and production of powder materials in technological processes was conducted. Computer modeling employed to examine the behavior of particulate mixtures in two-dimensional and three-dimensional planes, considering their volumetric characteristics, was studied theoretically. The properties of AISI430 steel and saponite powders, such as grain-size composition and sphericity factors, were studied experimentally. The density of workpieces made from steel and saponite powders for modified and unmodified powder particles was calculated as percentage. A method for calculating the distribution of particles and determining the density of workpiece layers using the ImageJ2x software was proposed. Image stacks were generated and image series were analyzed using object mask functions and threshold and image inverter brightness threshold functions. The processed microscopy data enabled the determination of void percentage within the visible areas of the samples. A simulation model was proposed to describe the formation of powder materials with varying geometries and sphericity. The process of filling a cylindrical container with the powder mixture was simulated. A 3D computer model was developed to visualize the formation of a two-component powder mixture using the Blender 3D application software. Maps depicting the distribution of powder particles in selected planes were constructed.