SIM-AM 2023

Microstructure characterization and crystal plasticity modeling of Ti-6Al-4V processed by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF)

  • Blümer, Vincent (University of Twente)
  • Naseem, Sikander (University of Twente)
  • Soyarslan, Celal (University of Twente)
  • van den Boogaard, Ton (University of Twente)

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Microstructural compositions of additively manufactured (AM) metal parts differ significantly from those observed in parts manufactured by means of conventional processes like casting, forging or extrusion. Detailed understanding of microstructural deformation mechanisms is required to advance AM to a mature technology used for production of parts in dynamic structural and even safety critical components. There are many possible influences on microstructural composition like powder particle diameter, scan strategy, thermal power source, thermal gradients, and heat treatment. The number of possible microstructures resulting from this input space is prohibitively large for full experimental testing due to unreasonable time and resource requirements, especially regarding fatigue investigation. Therefore numerically investigation through crystal plasticity has become a valuable tool for acquiring estimates of the mechanical properties. Ti-6Al-4V processed by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is investigated both numerically and experimentally regarding its elastoplastic properties. Electron backscatter diffusion (EBSD) micrographs are extracted from printed specimens. Geometrical statistics of the grain distribution are obtained from the scans and used to reconstruct representative volume elements (RVE) using DREAM3D. Simulations are conducted using FFT-based spectral solvers provided in the Düsseldorf Advanced Material Simulation Kit (DAMASK). Yield curves are evaluated numerically and compared to experimental data.