The application of a combined finite-discrete element modeling approach to simu late the three-dimensional microscopic compaction behavior of single-layer met al powder system was described. The process was treated as a static problem,wit h kinematical component being neglected. Due to ill condition,Cholesky's metho d failed to solve the system equations,while conjugate gradient method was trie d and yielded good results. Deformation of the particles was examined and compar ed with the results of physical modeling experiments. In both cases,the inner p articles were deformed from sphere to polygonal column,with the edges turning f rom arc to straight line. The edge number of a particle was equal to the number of particles surrounding it. And the experiments show that the ductile metal par ticles can be densified only by their plastic deformation without the occurrence of rearrangement phenomenon.
