Microstructure prediction of selective laser melting AlSi10Mg using finite element analysis

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology is a complex process controlled by mass and heat transfer. It is very important to understand the microstructure of single track. This work predicted the single track's microstructure of SLMed AlSi10Mg by calculating the thermal variables and using columnar to equiaxed transition (CET) criterion. Firstly, a high accurate transient three-dimensional finite element model was established with anisotropic thermal conductivities verified by both molten pool dimensions and track surface feature. Secondly, the finite element model was used to accurately predict the thermal variables, such as temperature gradient, cooling rate and solidification rate of the molten pool. Thirdly, a columnar to equiaxed transition criterion was established by connecting the predicted thermal variables and experimental microstructure, the experimental results verified that it can predict the microstructure of SLMed AlSi10Mg very well. (c) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.