Dissemination DeliverablesD4.1

Deliverable 4.1

Abstract

Deliverable 4.1 reports the activities regarding the development of microstructural-mechanical (MM) model within the CIRCULAR WELD project. Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) Dot-by-Dot (DbD) process involves the rapid solidification of small volumes of metallic material, i.e. carbon steel, leading to non-equilibrium solidification conditions and a peculiar microstructure. As microstructure determines the mechanical behaviour, the aim of the activity is to correlate, with the aid of numerical models, microstructure-related parameters to mechanical properties. The research topic presents several challenges discussed herein, as the resulting microstructure diverges from conventional standards. Given the limited literature available, the primary challenge lies in the identification and quantitative characterization of microstructure-related parameters. This was addressed through extensive experimental campaigns involving fractographic and microstructural analyses. Image analysis methodologies were employed to quantify these parameters, which were subsequently processed into charts and integrated into numerical modelling. To illustrate the workflow, the document is arranged in three different sections: i) the first one (introduction and theoretical background) is aimed at introducing the basics of numerical microstructural modelling as currently reported in the literature; ii) the second one (data acquisition trough experimental analysis) is focused at illustrating the procedure adopted to identify and characterize the quantitative microstructural parameters to be used in the model; iii) the third one presents the elaboration of acquired data and the implementation in the numerical models.

Table of contents

1.     INTRODUCTION AND THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

2.     DATA ACQUISITION THROUGH EXPERIMENTAL ACTIVITY

2.1        Fractographic analyses

2.2        Microstructural analyses

2.3        Quantitative Analysis of Microstructural Parameters

3.     DATA ANALYSIS AND NUMERICAL MODELLING