Microstructure–Property Correlation in a Laser Powder Bed Fusion Processed High‐Strength AF‐9628 Steel

Abstract

Laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (LPBF‐AM) of a low‐alloy, high‐performance AF‐9628 steel results in exceptionally high strength and good ductility. The reasons for such mechanical properties are investigated through detailed microscopy performed at several length scales. Thus, the characterization of melt pool, porosity, grain morphology, phases, and dislocations is performed in the as‐printed material. The as‐printed material consists of only 0.004 vol% of uniformly distributed porosity, single‐phase martensitic laths with an average lath size of ≈2.5 μm, the absence of carbides indicating interstitial trapping of C atom, and high dislocation density in the martensitic laths. Experimental data through microscopy are then fed in analytical models for calculating strengthening contributions from various strengthening mechanisms. Calculated yield strength agrees well with experimentally determined value, and therefore, activation of various strengthening mechanisms is established in as‐printed AF‐9628.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Sep 18, 2020
Source ID
10.1002/adem.202000845

Entities

People

  • Brandon McWilliams
  • Kyu C. Cho
  • Priyanka Agrawal
  • Priyanshi Agrawal
  • Rajiv S. Mishra
  • Saket Thapliyal
  • Saurabh S. Nene
  • Shivakant Shukla

Organizations

  • United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command
  • United States Army Research Laboratory
  • University of North Texas

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Metallurgy
  • Semiconductor Device Technology

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy