Investigation of Transport Phenomena in Selective Laser Melting of Ti-6Al-4V

DOI: 10.5176/2251-1857_M316.14

Authors: Akash Aggarwal, Harsh S. Khoont and Arvind Kumar

Abstract: In this work, a three-dimensional finite element model is proposed to investigate the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) process accounting for volume contraction of porous powder layer during melting, convective fluid flow and solidification in the melt pool. An algorithm accounting for volume contraction due to melting of porous powder to a denser liquid and the transition of powder-liquid-solid is developed. Effect of Marangoni convection and natural convection on the melt pool behavior is thoroughly analyzed. Parametric study with the laser power is conducted to find its relationship with the melt pool dimensions and thermal behavior. Validation of the computational results is performed with the experimental findings where a reasonable match of the melt pool dimensions is found.
Keywords: Selective laser melting; Ti-6Al-4V; Volume contraction; Marangoni convection; Natural convection