Numerical investigation of coefficient of friction in copper powder compaction process at micro scale

Multi Particle Finite Element Method (MPFEM) which is a power full approach for particle systems analyzes particle interactions via different friction models. In this study, Amontons-Coulomb constant friction (ACM), Wanheim/Bay generalized friction (WBM) and Levanov's friction models (LFM) are utilized in MPFEM in order to obtain coefficient of friction at particle-particle and particle-die wall interactions in spherical copper powder compaction. Friction models are introduced into the analysis by user subroutines. Compaction processes at room temperature and at 270°C were investigated by terms of coefficient of friction, shear stress and equivalent strain. Although equivalent strain curve of WBM and LFM are in good agreement, ACM resulted in higher equivalent strain and shear stress values. Coefficient of friction those were obtained with WBM and LFM varies in a reasonable range.