An optimal container design for metal powder under hot isostatic pressing

Abstract

Near-net-shape forming of 316L stainless-steel powder was investigated under hot isostatic pressing. To simulate densification and deformation of a powder compact in a container during hot isostatic pressing, the constitutive model of Abouaf and co-workers was implemented into a finite element analysis. An optimal design technique based on the evaluation schemes of the design sensitivity was used to acquire the desired final shape of a powder compact. Experimental data of 316L stainless steel powder showed that the optimally designed container allowed near-net-shape forming of the desired powder compact during hot isostatic pressing.