Evolution of grain structure during laser additive manufacturing. Simulation by a cellular automata method

• Model to simulate the evolution of grain structure observed during the laser additive manufacturing is developed.
• Model relies on a combination of cellular automata and finite difference methods.
• CAFD simulations provide a realistic prediction of the evolution of grain structure induced by selective laser melting.
• Influence of the heat source parameters on the evolution of grain structure is discussed.

We have developed a two-dimensional numerical model to simulate the evolution of grain structure observed during the laser additive manufacturing process. A cellular automata method is used to describe grain growth. The Goldak heat source model is adopted to calculate the heat input during laser melting. A selective laser melting process which involves sequential deposition of powder layers on a polycrystalline substrate followed by their melting is examined. The influence of the heat source parameters on the evolution of grain structure is discussed. The simulation results are shown to be consistent with the experimental data describing the main characteristics of the grain structure.

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