  An elastic-visco-plastic thermomechanical model for the simulation of cold
forming and subsequent sintering of ceramic powders is introduced and based on
micromechanical modelling of the compaction process of granulates.
Micromechanics leads to an upper-bound estimate of the compaction curve of a
granular material, which compares well with other models and finite element
simulations. The parameters of the thermomechanical model are determined on the
basis of available data and dilatometer experiments. Finally, after computer
implementation, validation of the model is performed against experiments
developed on specially designed ceramic pieces, characterized by zones of
different density. The mechanical model is found to accurately describe forming
and sintering of stoneware ceramics and can therefore be used to analyze and
optimize industrial processes involving compaction of powders and subsequent
firing of the greens.
