Wall-Friction Characteristics of Differently Shaped Particles

Abstract

Uneven packing structure of consolidated powder bed due to particle shape was experimentally investigated. Angular stainless steel particles were processed in several steps toward sphericity by means of Hybridizer and consolidated under a piston press. The vertical pressure distribution was measured and correlated with the voidage for different shaped particles. As a result, it was found that the ratio of horizontal to vertical pressure, k, decreases with increasing overall voidage and sphericity. Thus, for preparation of powder compacts with low voidage and uniformly distributed voids, it is effective to make particles spherical or adjust the particle shape as required.