Simulative analysis on the motion of zinc powder during mechanical zinc plating.

The process of mechanical zinc plating was simulated by discrete element method using the EDEM software. The motion characteristics of zinc powder when being stricken by the impact medium at different velocities were studied. The results showed that the zinc powder was compressed longitudinally at the initial stage of mechanical zinc plating, and a zinc coating was finally formed by rearranging and compression deformation longitudinally and transversely. The zinc powder at top layer deformed and rearranged primarily, while the zinc powder at middle and bottom layers rearranged mainly. The zinc coating formed by mechanical plating at an impact velocity of 1.0 m/s was smooth and flat with an 0-grade adhesion. The simulation results were essentially consistent with the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]