M. Yu. Bal'shin and the Mechanics of Powder Material Compaction

The connection of Bal'shin consolidation theory with contemporary compaction mechanics is considered. The main principles of Bal'shin and proposals for powder compaction theory formulated by him are analyzed. A connection is established between the identity principle and the hypothesis of the existence of a representative element, and one possible way of determining its dimensions is demonstrated. The main attention is devoted to the hypothesis of continuity and the results of compaction mechanics, which are obtained based on it. A connection is noted between consolidation theory and the concept of the mean-square viscous stresses of Skorokhod. Problems of Bal'shin are indicated that may easily be resolved by means of the concept of mean-square viscous stress. The relative solution of the problem of evaluating density distribution is noted. Problems are discussed for powder breaking directly during compaction in a rigid die. The contribution of scientists from Armenia, Belarus, Russia and Ukraine in setting up contemporary compaction mechanics is evaluated.