Modeling and Simulation of Sintering Process Across Scales

Sintering, as a thermal process at elevated temperature below the melting point, is widely used to bond contacting particles into engineering products such ceramics, metals, polymers, and cemented carbides. Modelling simulation important complement experiments are essential for understanding sintering mechanisms optimization design of process. We share in this article state-to-the-art review on major methods models various length scales. It starts with molecular dynamics simulations deciphering atomistic diffusion process, then moves microstructure-level approaches discrete element method, Monte–Carlo phase-field models, which can reveal subtle like grain coalescence, rotation, densification, coarsening, etc. Phenomenological/empirical macroscopic scales estimating porosity average size also summarized. The features, merits, drawbacks, applicability these technologies expounded. In particular, latest progress modelling selective direct-metal laser based additive manufacturing reviewed. Finally, summary concluding remarks challenges opportunities given