Modal analysis of metal additive manufactured parts

The validation of metal Additively Manufactured (AM) parts is difficult and expensive because the overall morphology and microstructure are interdependent and are subject to process parameters. This paper investigates the use of modal analysis to quantify the mechanical properties of tensile test specimens built using selective laser melting. The relationships between process parameters, material properties, and the modal response is studied experimentally. This shows that the yield strength correlates directly to the part natural frequency to a better extent than density does. This provides the basis to develop a modal analysis screening method for determining metal AM part quality.