In this paper, the discrete element method framework is employed to determine and analyze the stresses induced during and after the powder metallurgy process of particle-reinforced composite. Applied mechanical loading and the differences in the thermal expansion coefficients of metal/intermetallic matrix and ceramic reinforcing particles during cooling produce the complex state of stresses in and between the particles, leading to the occurrence of material defects, such as cracks, and in consequence the composite degradation. Therefore, the viscoelastic model of pressure-assisted sintering of a two-phase powder mixture is applied in order to study the stress field of particle assembly of intermetallic-ceramic composite NiAl/Al2O3. The stress evaluation is performed at two levels: macroscopic and microscopic. Macroscopic averaged stress is determined using the homogenization method using the representative volume element. Microscopic stresses are calculated both in the body of particles and in the contact interface (necks) between particles. Obtained results are in line with the cooling mechanism of the two-phase materials.
Keywords: discrete element method; particle-reinforced composites; residual stress; sintering.