Microstructure characterization and crystal plastic finite element simulation of additive manufacturing 316 L stainless steel

Abstract

Due to the layer-by-layer molding mode of additive manufacturing (AM) technology, the mechanical properties of additive manufacturing structural parts are very different from those of traditional structural parts. The macroscopic mechanical properties of additive structural parts show obvious anisotropy; thus, the macroscopic model is not suitable to describe the effect of material microstructure (grain distribution, initial grain orientation, etc.) on the macroscopic mechanical behavior. Setting up a simplified structure microstructure of representative volume element (RVE), and the mechanical behavior response of AM 316 L stainless steel is simulated based on the finite element method for crystal plasticity. While uniaxial tension was regarded as a typical loading, the effect of microstructure on macroscopic mechanical properties is analyzed in combination with grain distribution and grain orientation. The results show that the numerical model not only reflects the impact of microstructure on macroscopic mechanical behavior but also suggests theoretical advice for practical production.