Effect of Local Microstructural Features on the Mechanical Behavior of Additively Manufactured Inconel 718 Parts

Additive manufacturing (AM) is an advanced technology where parts are fabricated layer-by-layer to create three-dimensional parts in less time. However, challenges exist due to the time-consuming and material waste in costly testing of the parts for a specific application. In this study, we aim to accelerate the qualification process of AM Inconel 718 parts by establishing the location-based microstructural changes impact on the mechanical behavior of the part and correlating to the thermal history of the part at those locations. Using Hall-Petch relationships, yield strength at different locations related to the part’s microstructural parameters and thermal history. This study reveals effect of location-based microstructure and properties on global performance of the part. Local properties will be extended to create a global stiffness matrix, and boundary conditions will be applied to the part in a model to predict the lifetime of an AM metallic part. Hence, this approach reduces the cost of testing, and the time required to qualify an AM metallic part to an extent across various industries.