Finite element analysis of laser powder deposition of titanium

A finite element thermo-kinetic model coupling heat transfer calculations with phase transformations kinetics was developed to simulate temperature field evolution and solid-state phase transformations during laser powder deposition of titanium. The model was used to study the influence of the deposition path geometry of single tracks on the melt pool stability and to estimate the adjustments of the deposition parameters necessary to avoid hot spots. This study was carried out by modelling the deposition of straight tracks as well as tracks with sharp and smooth corners. The addition of material was simulated by the activation of sets of elements that display curved cross and longitudinal sections, in order to describe the interaction zone.