An Integrated Approach to Additive Manufacturing Simulations Using Physics Based, Coupled Multiscale Process Modeling

The complexity of local and dynamic thermal transformations in additive manufacturing (AM) processes makes it difficult to track in situ thermomechanical changes at different length scales within a part using experimental process monitoring equipment. In addition, in situ process monitoring is limited to providing information only at the exposed surface of a layer being built. As a result, an understanding of the bulk microstructural transformations and the resulting behavior of a part requires rigorous postprocess microscopy and mechanical testing. In order to circumvent the limited feedback obtained from in situ experiments and to better understand material response, a novel 3D dislocation density based thermomechanical finite element framework has been developed. This framework solves for the in situ response much faster than currently used state-of-the-art modeling software since it has been specifically designed for AM platforms. This modeling infrastructure can predict the anisotropic performance of AM-produced components before they are built, can serve as a method to enable in situ closed-loop process control and as a method to predict residual stress and distortion in parts and thus enable support structure optimization. This manuscript provides an overview of these software modules which together form a robust and reliable AM software suite to address future needs for machine development, material development, and geometric optimization.