Experimental and Numerical Studies of Die Filling and Powder Transfer

摘要

Experiments have been conducted on a range of powders using a model shoe filling and powder transfer system. The details of the flow and particle rearrangement processes have been observed using a high-speed video system. Discrete element computer simulations of the experiments have also been conducted. In this paper it will be demonstrated how the kinematics of the shoe motion, die geometry and powder characteristics influence the details of the flow process and how the powder eventually packs within the die. The importance of air pressure and air expulsion on the details of the flow process will also be described. Particle rearrangement during powder transfer will be explained and it will be demonstrated how the transfer process influences the density distribution and powder profile in the die.