In this work the elastic behaviour of metallic powder compacts is studied. Cylindrical specimens with different levels of density have been submitted to uniaxial compression tests with loading and unloading cycles. The analysis of the elastic loadings shows a non linear elasticity which can be mathematically represented by means of a potential law. A model involving two particles and comparable to elastic contact of Hertz, allows to understand the mechanical behaviour of these materials, always influenced by internal friction phenomena.

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