The Influence of Laser Defocusing in Selective Laser Melted IN 625

Laser defocusing was investigated to assess the influence on the surface quality, melt pool shape, tensile properties, and densification of selective laser melted (SLMed) IN 625. Negative (−0.5 mm, −0.3 mm), positive (+0.3 mm, +0.5 mm), and 0 mm defocusing distances were used to produce specimens, while the other process parameters remained unchanged. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the melt pools generated by different defocusing amounts were used to assess the influence on the morphology and melt pool size. The mechanical properties were evaluated by tensile testing, and the bulk density of the parts was measured by Archimedes’ method. It was observed that the melt pool morphology and melting mode are directly related to the defocusing distances. The melting height increases while the melting depth decreases from positive to negative defocusing. The use of negative defocusing distances generates the conduction melting mode of the SLMed IN 625, and the alloy (as-built) has the maximum density and ultimate tensile strength. Conversely, the use of positive distances generates keyhole mode melting accompanied by a decrease of density and mechanical strength due to the increase in porosity and is therefore not suitable for the SLM process.

Effects of Defocus Distance on Three-Beam Laser Internal Coaxial Wire Cladding

Three-beam laser internal coaxial wire feeding cladding is regarded as a promising additive manufacturing technique because it is highly efficient and controllable. In this study, the effects of the defocus distance on cladding using a three-beam laser with internal wire feeding are experimentally and numerically studied. A process map indicating the surface characteristics at different defocus distances with various parameter combinations was developed. The transmission characteristics including laser intensity, beam size, and laser spot distance of the three-beam laser at different defocus distances were analyzed using TracePro software. Based on the TracePro results as heat source, a three-dimensional transient finite element (FE) thermal model was formulated to predict the thermal field, temperature history and molten pool shape at different defocus distances. A molten pool with a flat bottom and low melting depth is generated when the defocus distance is − 2.5 mm, whereas when this distance is − 1.5 mm, a pool with a valley-shaped bond and high melting depth is formed. The simulated results of the temperature cycle and clad geometry are both validated and found to well agree with experimental measurements. The influence of the defocus distance on the microstructure and microhardness are discussed based on the temperature history and cooling rate. With the increase in the absolute defocus distance, the height and dilution of the clad decreased, whereas the width increased. In addition, the effects of defocus distance with various parameter combinations on clad geometry were explored using the formulated FE model.

The subsurface habitability of small, icy exomoons

Context. Assuming our Solar System as typical, exomoons may outnumber exoplanets. If their habitability fraction is similar, they would thus constitute the largest portion of habitable real estate in the Universe. Icy moons in our Solar System, such as Europa and Enceladus, have already been shown to possess liquid water, a prerequisite for life on Earth. Aims. We intend to investigate under what thermal and orbital circumstances small, icy moons may sustain subsurface oceans and thus be “subsurface habitable”. We pay specific attention to tidal heating, which may keep a moon liquid far beyond the conservative habitable zone. Methods. We made use of a phenomenological approach to tidal heating. We computed the orbit averaged flux from both stellar and planetary (both thermal and reflected stellar) illumination. We then calculated subsurface temperatures depending on illumination and thermal conduction to the surface through the ice shell and an insulating layer of regolith. We adopted a conduction only model, ignoring volcanism and ice shell convection as an outlet for internal heat. In doing so, we determined at which depth, if any, ice melts and a subsurface ocean forms. Results. We find an analytical expression between the moon’s physical and orbital characteristics and the melting depth. Since this expression directly relates icy moon observables to the melting depth, it allows us to swiftly put an upper limit on the melting depth for any given moon. We reproduce the existence of Enceladus’ subsurface ocean; we also find that the two largest moons of Uranus (Titania and Oberon) could well sustain them. Our model predicts that Rhea does not have liquid water. Conclusions. Habitable exomoon environments may be found across an exoplanetary system, largely irrespective of the distance to the host star. Small, icy subsurface habitable moons may exist anywhere beyond the snow line. This may, in future observations, expand the search area for extraterrestrial habitable environments beyond the circumstellar habitable zone.

The Numerical Simulation of the Lateral Inhomogeneous Deformation of the Permafrost Subgrade

The Qinghai-Tibet highway subgrade inhomogeneous deformation is very serious because of the bad climate environment and the special engineering condition of permafrost. To reveal the mechanism of subgrade diseases, based on the theory of elastic-plastic deformation, the control equation of the stress and deformation field of the subgrade is established. We analyze subgrade stress and deformation field by finite element software. Considering effect of the southern and northern slopes, the model of the inhomogeneous deformation of the subgrade was established. Then we calculated the variation characteristic of the lateral inhomogeneous deformation under different melting depth. The results showed that the melting interlayer, melting depth and the effect of southern and northern slopes were the key factors influencing the permafrost subgrade lateral inhomogeneous deformation.

Heat Transfer Modeling of Metal Deposition Employing Welding Heat Source

Gas Metal Arc welding (GMAW) has shown potential, for Layered Manufacturing (LM) of metallic components, due to its inherent feature of high inter-layer and metallurgical bonding. Residual Stress induced warping is a major concern in a variety of LM processes, particularly those seeking to build parts directly without post processing steps. The temperature distribution and re-melting depth plays an important role in controlling residual stresses and distortion. This paper presents a 3D finite element based thermal model of a novel welding based deposition process as applied to LM. The model showed good agreement with experimental data. The results show that the process is not axis symmetric and a complete 3D model is required for accurate prediction of temperatures and deformation.