Discrete Element Method Analysis for Metal Powders Used in Additive Manufacturing, and DEM Simulation Tutorial Using LIGGGHTS-PUBLIC [PowerPoint and paper]
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States); NNSA MSIPP consortium led by NC A+T University (United States)
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Discrete Element Method (DEM) is a method of analysis to evaluate the dynamic interactions between granular particles. This method has been used in the pharmaceutical industry to improve the powder compaction process for tablet manufacturing. There are also applications in agriculture, food industry, and manufacturing. Direct energy deposition is an additive manufacturing technique which uses metallic powders fed through a nozzle, melted using a directed laser, and transformed into a solid object layer by layer. One way of feeding metal particles into the system involves the use of a vibrating hopper. Given a specified amplitude and frequency input, the hopper will enable the powder to travel up a path, and inject through the system with assistance from a stream of gas. The mechanical properties of a printed object can vary, depending on the characteristics of the powder flow and the particles’ as-received properties. Improved understanding of dynamic interactions of flowing powders could enable additive manufacturing components with 2D or 3D variations in mechanical properties, e.g., density. This work uses DEM simulation software to investigate the effects of particle cohesion, friction, and density on the quality of the flow by performing an angle of repose simulation, which is often used as a metric to evaluate the flowability of powders.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC52-07NA27344
- OSTI ID:
- 1656962
- Report Number(s):
- LLNL-TR-813736; 1021464; TRN: US2202286
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Quantification of Powder Spreading Process for Metal Additive Manufacturing
MFIX DEM Enhancement for Industry-Relevant Flows (Final Report)