Discrete Element Method Modeling of the Influence of Gravity During Functional Ceramics Material Compaction Process

Compaction process of the functional ceramic materials were dynamically simulated by discrete element method (DEM), and the particles distribution, stress and porosity of the green compact under the actions of gravity and microgravity were also analyzed. The results showed that under the action of gravity, the distribution of different size particles was inhomogeneous, a substantial part of small size particles were found concentrated near the upper punch, while under the action of microgravity, the heterogeneity of particles was significantly reduced. Compared with microgravity condition, the distribution of stress gradients was larger under the gravity condition, and the stress near the upper and low punches was lager than that at the middle region, and the distribution gradient of the porosity was also larger.