Abstract: The metal powder compaction process is simulated with the finite element analysis software MSC/MARC. The simulation applies thermal mechanically coupled analysis based on the updated Lagrangian method to study the influencing rules of different compacting processes (temperature, friction, compacting style, etc). The mechanical characters (compacting force, ejecting force, stress distribution, etc) of the compaction process are also analyzed. The results indicate that friction condition is the crucial factor which influences the value and distribution of green density, double compaction can improve the distribution and values of green density which is made uneven and large deviation by means of single compaction. Increasing temperature is propitious to improve the plastic deformable capacity of powder particles, but the effect is not evident. Otherwise, the compaction temperature influences the properties of lubricant which influences the condition of friction so that the temperature should be considered when the compaction process is made. Increasing temperature and decreasing friction are propitious to decrease compaction pressure, improve the distribution of density, and also improve the phenomenon of stress concentration.

Key words: Compaction, Density, Finite element method, Powder