Intelligent Automation, Inc. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: A19-021

Description

Additive Manufacturing (AM) often produces components with unique irregularities, which may have decisive impact on their mechanical properties. Current certification process for safety-critical AM part involving extensive experimental efforts is not practical and efficient. It is highly desired to develop a comprehensive modeling framework that can predict the mechanical performance of additively manufactured structures by recognizing their uniqueness. In this study, we propose a modeling platform (MAMMI), which can consider various irregularities that impact structural performance of AM components. Based on a 3D geometry reconstructed through NDI method (X-ray computed tomography) and input material properties, high fidelity multiscale finite element (FE) simulations can be conducted to obtain the stiffness and strength of the AM component under operation conditions. Moreover, uncertainty quantification analysis will be included in the modeling framework to provide confident estimation over mechanical performances. It is envisioned that the success of this modeling framework would lead to more widespread use of AM in Army and commercial applications.