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Simulation of multicomponent evaporation in electron beam melting and refining

Conference ·
OSTI ID:266367
;  [1]; ;  [2]
  1. Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge, MA (United States)
  2. Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Experimental results and a mathematical model are presented to describe differential evaporation rates in electron beam melting of titanium alloys containing aluminum and vanadium. Experiments characterized the evaporation rate of commercially pure titanium, and vapor composition over titanium with up to 6% Al and 4.5% V content as a function of beam power, scan frequency and background pressure. The model is made up of a steady-state heat and mass transport model of a melting hearth and a model of transient thermal and flow behavior near the surface. Activity coefficients for aluminum and vanadium in titanium are roughly estimated by fitting model parameters to experimental results. Based on the ability to vary evaporation rate by 10-15% using scan frequency alone, we discuss the possibility of on-line composition control by means of intelligent manipulation of the electron beam.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
266367
Report Number(s):
SAND--96-1142C; CONF-960202--30; ON: DE96010557
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English