An Arrhenius‐Type Viscosity Function to Model Sintering Using the Skorohod–Olevsky Viscous Sintering Model Within a Finite‐Element Code

Abstract

The ease and ability to predict sintering shrinkage and densification with the Skorohod–Olevsky viscous sintering (SOVS) model within a finite‐element (FE) code have been improved with the use of an Arrhenius‐type viscosity function. The need for a better viscosity function was identified by evaluating SOVS model predictions made using a previously published polynomial viscosity function. Predictions made using the original, polynomial viscosity function do not accurately reflect experimentally observed sintering behavior. To more easily and better predict sintering behavior using FE simulations, a thermally activated viscosity function based on creep theory was used with the SOVS model. In comparison with the polynomial viscosity function, SOVS model predictions made using the Arrhenius‐type viscosity function are more representative of experimentally observed viscosity and sintering behavior. Additionally, the effects of changes in heating rate on densification can easily be predicted with the Arrhenius‐type viscosity function. Another attribute of the Arrhenius‐type viscosity function is that it provides the potential to link different sintering models. For example, the apparent activation energy, Q , for densification used in the construction of the master sintering curve for a low‐temperature cofire ceramic dielectric has been used as the apparent activation energy for material flow in the Arrhenius‐type viscosity function to predict heating rate‐dependent sintering behavior using the SOVS model.