Influence of laser processing parameters on the density-ductility tradeoff in additively manufactured pure tantalum

Gianna M. Valentino; Arunima Banerjee; Alexander Lark; Christopher M. Barr; Seth H. Myers; Ian D. McCue

Additive Manufacturing Letters (Feb 2023)

Influence of laser processing parameters on the density-ductility tradeoff in additively manufactured pure tantalum

Gianna M. Valentino,
Arunima Banerjee,
Alexander Lark,
Christopher M. Barr,
Seth H. Myers,
Ian D. McCue

Affiliations

Gianna M. Valentino: Research and Exploratory Development Department, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD 20723, USA; Corresponding author at: Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, USA.
Arunima Banerjee: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
Alexander Lark: Research and Exploratory Development Department, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD 20723, USA
Christopher M. Barr: Research and Exploratory Development Department, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD 20723, USA
Seth H. Myers: Force Projection Sector, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD 20723, USA
Ian D. McCue: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 4
p. 100117

Abstract

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Additive manufacturing (AM) has transformed the process of shaping refractory metals into complex form factors. This study was undertaken to investigate the AM processing parameters for pure tantalum (Ta) and to understand their influence on the attendant properties. Computational fluid dynamics simulations informed a subset of AM laser parameters that were manufactured and characterized for their porosity and mechanical response. Manufacturing with high energy densities (350-470 J/mm3) increased material density and mechanical strength, but dramatically reduced the ductility owing to the prolific formation of pre-existing edge cracks. While low porosity is typically a key metric for success in AM, the results presented here elucidate that a balance between maximizing bulk material density and minimizing steep thermal gradients during processing is needed to optimize the strength-ductility tradeoff.

Published in Additive Manufacturing Letters

ISSN: 2772-3690 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Netherlands
LCC subjects: Technology: Technology (General): Industrial engineering. Management engineering
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/additive-manufacturing-letters/

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