Three-dimensional computer simulation of time-dependent skeletal structure evolution during liquid phase sintering

In this paper we will investigate numerically gravity induced skeletal structure evolution during liquid phase sintering. Applying three-dimensional domain methodology, skeleton structure will be defined by skeleton units determined by equilibrium dihedral angle and arranged in long chain of connected domains. The settling will be simulated by Free-settling model in which isolated domains fall under gravity over already settled domains, and Extended-settling model in which settled domains continue their motion till they reach position of their local equilibrium. It will be assumed that under gravity condition Stokes's law settling usually dominates microstructure formation, so that settling can be simulated by computation of settling time and average migration distance during defined time interval.