Numerical Simulation of binder burnout and stress formation
- Chantal Binet and Rudolf Zauner (Bryan Harlan)

Debinding plays a key role in the economics and successful application of every powder metallurgical process where a binder is used for shape retention in the green state, as in powder injection molding. Even though the principal phenomena of debinding are well understood, time-consuming and expensive experiments have to be carried out to optimize the debinding process for a particular application.

To date, there are no practical models for the prediction of the debinding behavior that could be used to save time and experimental effort. The goal of this study is therefore to develop a model using the finite element method for simulating and optimizing the debinding process. For the practical validation of the model, debinding experiments have to be carried out and new measurement techniques have to be developed.

During the project, the student will learn: