Microstructural Engineering Enabled by NDE through SRAS integration with LPBF Additive Manufacturing

SRAS (Spatially resolved acoustic spectroscopy) is a non destructive evaluation method that allows engineers to access the crystallographic orientation of crystalline and polycrystalline materials through the assessment of SAW (surface acoustic waves). Currently SRAS is used for the study of microstructures in materials post fabrication. The research project aims to further develop the SRAS technique to enable the active study of materials during fabrication throughout the additive manufacturing production process known as L-PBF(laser powder bed fusion). This will enable the active assessment of the crystallographic structure of components during fabrication through non destructive means. By feeding this information back into 3D printing systems, the project hopes to develop the capabilities in producing 3D printed alloys with specific crystallographic structures.