skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Two powder stream diagnostics for laser deposition processes

Conference ·
OSTI ID:189116

The velocity, density, and mass flow of particles suspended in a subsonic gas stream are important aspects of plasma spray and laser deposition processes. This paper will focus on two optical diagnostic techniques applied to the metal powder streams out of a powder feeder and into a new nozzle developed specifically for such applications. An important characteristic of the new powder nozzle is that it produces a very small column (approximately I mm diameter) of powder which can be used for small focus laser deposition and cladding processes. Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) was applied to the nozzle`s output to better understand the kinetic parameters (velocity and spatial density) of exiting particles. Optical scattering of the powder stream was used to measure the total mass flow into the nozzle. Different light scattering detector scenarios applied to the input powder stream were used to identify signals useful for mass flow feedback control. Both of these techniques have the advantages of being fast, noninvasive diagnostics of the powder flow characteristics, and with a well established theoretical framework. Together, or individually, these diagnostics can provide real-time control or post-process analysis of the powder stream.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000; AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
189116
Report Number(s):
SAND-95-0990C; CONF-9511146-4; ON: DE96004315
Resource Relation:
Conference: 14. international congress on applications of lasers and electro-optics, San Diego, CA (United States), 13-16 Nov 1995; Other Information: PBD: [1995]
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English