Process Modeling of Mechanical Alloying (Overview)

Recent efforts at modeling the mechanics and dynamics of mechanical alloying are summarized. The modeling is described from two perspectives. One considers the deformation response and the fracture and welding tendencies of powder particles entrapped between colliding grinding media in an individual collision. We call this local modeling. Fundamental and phenomenological approaches to local modeling have been undertaken, and these are described here as are numerical applications of the approaches. We have termed the second type of modeling “global modeling”. Global modeling concerns itself with device specific characteristics, and has potential for improving MA devices. Global modeling also serves to provide parameters that are necessary to best utilize local modeling.