Simulation Study on the Energy Utilization Efficiency of a Turbine Impeller Based on a Selective Laser Melting Process

Abstract

In this paper, a simulation model for Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology is established to simulate the additive manufacturing process of a turbine impeller for an aerospace engine. By utilizing the simulation model, variations in laser power and scanning speed are employed to obtain simulated results of thermal deformation for the turbine impeller under different laser power and scanning speed conditions. The results indicate that the thermal deformation of the component increases with the augmentation of laser power, decreases with the escalation of scanning speed, and eventually stabilizes. Based on the relationship between thermal deformation and energy, the energy utilization efficiency of the SLM process under different conditions is calculated. The findings demonstrate that, within a certain range of power, the synergistic effect of laser power and scanning speed allows for an increase in energy utilization efficiency and a reduction in processing time while ensuring the mechanical performance of the formed parts. Consequently, this approach proves effective in lowering production costs for complex components based on SLM technology.

Keywords

• additive manufacturing
• Selective Laser Melting
• simulation
• thermal deformation
• energy utilization