Additive Manufacture (AM) Processing for Enhanced Lifetime
The layer upon layer deposition and joining of material involved in additive manufacturing (AM) processes can result in materials and parts with unique microstructural features, properties, and corresponding performance. Our work is studying the links between processing, material structure, properties, and performance with a focus on laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) primarily of metal alloys. We use computational tools to estimate thermal conditions during processing, and correlate these with key microstructural features like cellular size and the presence of pores. As part of our work on Failure Mechanisms, we are linking microstructural features to the initiation and propagation of mechanical damage, and the expected lifetime of associated parts. We also investigate new opportunities to implement process modifications, such as spatial modulation of process parameters and heterogeneous multiple-material distributions, in order to tailor structure and properties, mitigate damage, and enhance lifetime.
Academic Invesitgators:
