A methodology to evaluate the influence of part geometry on residual stresses in selective laser melting

Abstract

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The subject of residual stresses induced by the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) process has been one of the main focus areas in literature over the past decade. It has been reported that residual stresses can be responsible for shape and dimensional distortions, cracking and compromised mechanical properties (reduced yield and fatigue strength). These shortfalls limit the applicability of SLM components in industry, particularly for the aerospace industry where part lifetime and hence fatigue life is of utmost concern. High temperature gradients have been reported to be responsible for the residual stress build up. A key aspect that has not been considered in literature is part geometry and orientation and its influence on residual stress levels. Thus, this study proposes a methodology for investigating this influence for different geometric features. In this work, samples were built from tool steel powders. The Hole Drilling Method (HDM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques are proposed for measuring residual stresses. Preliminary results show that the geometry of a part influences residual stress magnitudes and distributions, with sharper ends exhibiting higher stresses than less sharp specimen ends.

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