Investigating the microstructure evolution of additive manufactured parts using multiscale modelling

Although the technology has been around for a long time, the use of AM for production is still novel. This thesis has made strides in understanding and comparing SLM processing parameters, as well as providing a framework for efficient simulation of Ti6Al4V phase transformations.

The literature review identified the need to further explore SLM processing parameters as their effect on thermal histories, melt pool dimensions and microstructure evolution is not well known. The focus of the thesis was on Ti6Al4V as it was recognised as one of the key materials used within AM. Finite element analysis in Abaqus has been used to model the thermal behaviour and results compared against those from the literature and in-house experiments.