Impact Mechanics of Spherical Metallic Particles with Uniformly Distributed Porosity

Abstract In this study, finite element models are used to simulate the impact of porous WC-Co and Al particles cold sprayed onto substrates of the same materials. Effects of high strain rate, heat generation due to plasticity, interfacial friction, heat transfer, and material damage and failure are taken into account as are differences in the initial kinetic energy and strength of the materials. It was found that the influence of porosity increases with impact velocity and that the pores channel stress waves in unique ways not observed for solid particles. The results suggest that using porous particles for solid-state consolidation, as in cold spraying, could have advantages in terms of energy dissipation, although further investigation is required.