Three-Dimensional Solar Cell Finite-Element Sintering Simulation

The sintering process is ubiquitous in manufacturing, but the design-oriented modeling of sintering has presented considerable challenges. This type of modeling is necessary to be able to predict deformation and thus design appropriate powder compacts so that after they are sintered, the desired dimensions will be achieved. Currently this is done through a costly and time-consuming trial and error process. In our research, an application of the Skorohod–Olevsky viscous sintering constitutive equation in a finite-element (FE) model is developed and used to model solar cell manufacturing. Experimental measurements are used to determine the properties of the solar cell materials, and these are used to calculate the parameters for the FE model. Simulation results are compared with experimental data and analysis has been made to evaluate the adequacy and usefulness of this approach.