CHANNEL NETWORK DECAY IN SINTERING.

Abstract

The development of the topological model of sintering is reviewed. It is pointed out that the decay of the topological network of channels and junction pores (i. e. , sintering) is directly comparable to other network decay processes, such as that of grain growth in a polycrystalline aggregate, wherein surface tension both drives and directs the geometric changes that occur. Through this analogy some unfamiliar, though important, features of sintering have been deduced.