Magnetic field assisted DED towards the development of functionally graded materials

Metal additive manufacturing (AM), or metal 3D printing, enables “unique structures printed for unique functions” and “the right materials printed in the right place”. Therefore, it is the preferred fabrication method for creating functionally graded materials (FGMs), whose material properties varies over its volume to meet industrial needs. In this project, I leverage external magnetic fields during the AM process to locally tailor the microstructures of the materials being printed, consequently creating controlled graded mechanical properties. Using in-situ high-speed synchrotron X-Ray imaging combined with analytical, simulation, and machine learning techniques, I hope to establish a quantitative relation between the magnetic field parameters and the resultant microstructure and mechanical properties and use it to guide the development of metallic FGMs. This research project aligns with the research interests for both the host (UCL) and home (UofT) universities. The successful completion of this project will add valuable data and experiences to UCL’s ongoing research in the metal additive manufacturing process. For UofT, success of this proposed project will enable the design and manufacturing of high performing metallic FGMs revolutionary to Canada’s aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors.

Faculty Supervisor:

Yu Zou

Student:

Partner:

University College London

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Toronto

Program: