Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis presents a comprehensive analysis of the microstructure and mechanical properties of additively manufactured metal alloys. Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, has gained significant attention in recent years for its ability to fabricate complex parts with enhanced design flexibility. The study focuses on understanding how the manufacturing process affects the microstructure and mechanical properties of metal alloys, with a specific emphasis on additive manufacturing techniques such as selective laser melting and electron beam melting. The introduction provides an overview of additive manufacturing technologies and their applications in the aerospace, automotive, and medical industries. The background of the study discusses the importance of microstructure and mechanical properties in determining the performance and reliability of additively manufactured components. The problem statement highlights the need for a systematic investigation into the relationship between processing parameters, microstructure, and mechanical properties of metal alloys produced through additive manufacturing. The objectives of the study include characterizing the microstructure of additively manufactured metal alloys using advanced microscopy techniques, evaluating the mechanical properties through tensile, hardness, and impact testing, and analyzing the influence of processing parameters on the final properties. The limitations of the study are discussed, including the complexity of additive manufacturing processes and the need for sophisticated analytical tools. The scope of the study covers a wide range of metal alloys commonly used in additive manufacturing, including stainless steels, titanium alloys, and nickel-based superalloys. The significance of the study lies in its potential to enhance the understanding of how processing conditions impact the microstructure and mechanical properties of additively manufactured components, leading to improved quality control and performance optimization. The structure of the thesis is outlined, including the chapters on introduction, literature review, research methodology, discussion of findings, and conclusion. Definitions of key terms related to additive manufacturing, microstructure, and mechanical properties are provided to clarify the terminology used throughout the thesis. Overall, this research aims to contribute to the advancement of additive manufacturing technology by elucidating the intricate relationships between processing parameters, microstructure features, and mechanical properties of metal alloys. The findings of this study have the potential to inform future developments in materials engineering and manufacturing practices, ultimately leading to the production of more reliable and high-performance components using additive manufacturing techniques.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Analysis of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Metal Alloys" aims to investigate and understand the relationship between the microstructure and mechanical properties of metal alloys produced through additive manufacturing processes. Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, has revolutionized the manufacturing industry by enabling the production of complex geometries with enhanced design flexibility. However, the microstructure of additively manufactured metal alloys can vary significantly from traditional manufacturing methods, potentially affecting the mechanical properties and performance of the final components. The research will focus on conducting a comprehensive analysis of the microstructure of additively manufactured metal alloys, including the grain structure, porosity, phase composition, and any defects that may be present. Various characterization techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and computed tomography (CT) will be employed to study the microstructural features at different length scales. The mechanical properties of the metal alloys, including tensile strength, hardness, toughness, and fatigue resistance, will be evaluated through standardized testing methods. The project will involve the fabrication of metal alloy samples using additive manufacturing techniques such as selective laser melting (SLM) or electron beam melting (EBM). Different process parameters, such as laser power, scan speed, and powder feed rate, will be varied to understand their influence on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloys. Statistical analysis and optimization techniques will be applied to identify the key factors that influence the material properties and establish correlations between the microstructural features and mechanical behavior. The research findings will contribute to advancing the understanding of how the microstructure of additively manufactured metal alloys influences their mechanical properties. The insights gained from this study will have implications for optimizing the additive manufacturing process parameters to achieve the desired material performance characteristics. Ultimately, this research aims to enhance the design and engineering of metal components produced through additive manufacturing by providing a deeper understanding of the microstructure-mechanical property relationships in these advanced materials.