Use of Simulation to Homogenize the Temperature Field in Al2O3 Workpiece during Hot Vacuum Pressing

Abstract

We used a finite element method for the computer simulation of the temperature field in the apparatus of hot vacuum pressing (HVP) of alumina powder blanks. We considered the temperature dependence of the properties of the materials of the apparatus elements and the contact thermal and electrical resistances. The results of the calculations agreed to the laboratory temperature measurements, which confirms the reliability of the model. The results of computer experiments show that by selecting the materials of the HVP apparatus elements, we can create a practically uniform temperature field in the sample at the final stage of the sintering process and decrease significantly energy consumption in the entire sintering process. Depending on the arrangement of the equipment of the working cell of the HVP apparatus, the consideration of contact resistances can significantly affect the results of predicting the homogeneity of the temperature field of the sample during HVP.