Principal investigator: Wei Xiong
University: University of Pittsburgh
Industry partner: Extrude Hone LLC
This research project aims to advance the field of additive manufacturing (AM) for functionally graded alloys (FGAs) by developing an optimized post-processing strategy that combines heat treatment and Abrasive Flow Machining (AFM). The team will investigate the complex interplay between post-processing sequences and the resulting microstructure-property relationships in FGAs from stainless steel 316L to Inconel 718 printed by Directed Energy Deposition (DED). The study will explore the effects of heat treatment and AFM sequences on grain refinement, phase precipitation, and interface properties across the gradient structure. By leveraging high-throughput experimentation, the team aims to establish comprehensive process-structure-property relationships for FGAs. The research will address the unique challenges posed by the heterogeneous composition in post-processing, with a particular focus on optimizing interface properties and mechanical performance of components. This work will provide fundamental insights into the metallurgical behavior of FGAs under post-processing conditions, ultimately contributing to innovation in the manufacturing sector.