The physics of mechanical alloying: A first report

In this paper, we present a first attempt to define the basic geometry, mechanics, and physics of the process of mechanical alloying. The geometry of the collision events which lead to particle fragmentation and coalescence is modeled on the basis of Hertzian contacts between the grinding media which entrap a certain amount of material volume between the impacting surfaces. This geometry essentially defines the volume of material affected per collision, and from this information and characteristics of the specific mill and the material being processed, impact times, powder strain rates and strains, powder temperature increase, powder cooling times, and milling times can be approximated.