Integrated modelling and simulation of laser metal deposition (LMD) for additive manufacturing

Prof. Yi Qin, Dr Quanren Zeng and Dr Yankang Tian at the Department of Design, Manufacture and Engineering Management at the University of Strathclyde, are leading a project using ARCHIE-WeSt to investigate the laser metal deposition (LMD) process for additive manufacturing through developing an integrated numerical solution. The numerical model developed holistically considers essential sub-processes and factors involved in a practical production, such as incident powder streams, formation of molten pool, variation of G/L/S interfaces and geometry of the finally-deposited tracks/layers. Thanks to the powerful computing capability of ARCHIE-WeSt, the overall LMD process simulation was firstly realized by interlinking the above-mentioned sub-processes. The project is conducted also in cooperation with the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre at the University of Sheffield where some of the experimental analyses were performed, and Imperial College London where microstructure evolution analyses were conducted. Overall aim of the MMTECH-LMD project is to make use of advanced multiscale modelling techniques to develop a solution that is able to support the development and optimisation of the process chain for the manufacture of metal components with high-quality and low-cost. The developed integrated numerical model will assist in process design and planning for quality control when converting the alloy powders (e.g. γ-TiAl) into engineering products by additive manufacturing such as Laser metal deposition, being followed by subtractive machining (including laser-assisted machining, if needed). Applications of both numerical modelling and experimental validation allow the LMD process parameters to be optimised, contributing to the reduction of the production cost, shortening the product development cycle, and also extending the components’ life due to the improved mechanical properties.

Integrated modelling and simulation of the laser metal deposition (LMD) additive manufacturing process, which includes the incident powder streams, formation of molten pool, G/L/S interfaces and deposited tracks/layers.

For more information about the project, please contact Yi Qin (qin.yi@strath.ac.uk), Professor at the Department of Design, Manufacturing and Engineering at the University of Strathclyde or Dr Quanren Zeng (quanren.zeng@strath.ac.uk) or Dr Yankang Tian (yankang.tian@strath.ac.uk), Research Associates.

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