Papers by Author: James Elliott

Abstract: In this paper, we present a modified density-dependent Drucker-Prager Cap (DPC) model with a nonlinear elasticity law developed to describe the compaction behavior of pharmaceutical powders. The model is implemented in ABAQUS with a user subroutine. Using microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) Avicel PH101 as an example, the modified DPC model is calibrated and used for finite element simulations of uniaxial single-ended compaction in a cylindrical die. To validate the proposed model, finite element simulation results of powder compaction are compared with experimental results. It was found that finite element analyses gave a good prediction of both the loading-unloading curves during powder compaction and the compaction force required for making a tablet with a specified density. Further, the failure mechanisms of chipping, lamination and capping during tabletting are investigated by analysing the stress and density distributions of powders during the three different phases of the tabletting processes, i.e. compression, decompression and ejection. The results indicate that the model has excellent potential to describe the compaction process for generic pharmaceutical powders.

Abstract: The reactive diffusion and phase formation sequences in two types of ‘internal tin’ superconducting wires designed for the ITER project, which investigates the production of electricity by means of nuclear fusion, have been studied during heat treatments both in situ, using electrical resistometry [1] and ex situ, using optical and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray Micro-Tomography (XMT). XMT reveals long pores in the longitudinal direction which may result in tin deficiency thereat and hence local off-stoichiometric Nb3Sn. Microscopy suggests there are incomplete conversion of elemental tin to copper-tin intermetallics before ramping above the tin melting temperature, nonuniform distribution of tin before formation of Nb3Sn, and filament movement and bridging, stacking cracks and unreacted niobium at the end of the heat treatment. FEGSEM shows a fine microstructure which nevertheless could still be improved.