This paper proposes a numerical method for modelling the changes occurring in a granular packing, under surface diffusion and in presence of doping species. The equation of the molecular flux in the doped compound is established through the use of a physicochemical model. An Eulerian approach, based on a level-set strategy is adopted for capturing the particle interface. Combined with mesh adaptation and parallel computing strategies, this approach allows for the numerical simulation of the topological changes occurring in a complex packing, that is in a packing which is made up of at least two populations (undoped and doped) of grains.

sintering, doping, magnesia-doped alumina, finite element analysis, level-set technique.