Experimental and numerical investigation of temperature evolution during electromagnetic pulsed compaction of powders

The transient temperature evolution during electromagnetic pulsed compaction of powders is an important concern to densification mechanism, and a homogenous temperature field is beneficial for compaction densification. An experimental and numerical investigation of temperature evolution during electromagnetic pulsed compaction has been completed. Based on the thermodynamics of temperature evolution during electromagnetic pulsed compaction, a numerical model using multi-particle finite element method was developed to provide more detailed information of the temperature evolution. It has been found that the temperature rise during electromagnetic pulsed compaction is mainly induced by the plastic deformation work, while the temperature gradient within the powders is greatly caused by the frictional work. With the die wall/powder friction increasing, the radial temperature gradient becomes greater. With the inter-particle friction increasing, the axial temperature gradient becomes greater and it is strongly correlated to the non-uniform densification within the powders. More external work combined with greater compacting velocity leads to greater temperature rise in powders, and the axial temperature gradient is elevated because of the limited heat conduction in the shorter time. [Display omitted] •Temperature evolution during electromagnetic pulsed compaction was investigated.•A numerical thermodynamic model using multi-particle finite element method was presented.•Energy conversion for temperature rise was studied.•Effect of friction and compacting velocity was analyzed.•Evolution of temperature gradient was revealed.