Innovative digital twin concept of complex microstructure evolution in multi-component materials

Introduction

Tailoring the microstructural features in metal additive manufacturing (AM) products is still a great challenge, limiting the design flexibility and full exploitation of the technique. The aim of muTWIN is to implement and validate an innovative digital twin concept of microstructure evolution in technical alloys.

Concept Overview

The new concept allows for fast and accurate computation of local microstructures in AM parts as a function of local composition and temperature history. When integrated into thermal and mechanical Finite Element (FE) approaches, it will enable realistic predictions of properties, performance, and reliability of the printed parts.

Design Space Exploration

Moreover, it allows for fast and high-dimensional computational ‘search’ through the huge design space accessible with AM, to find the compositions and processing parameters resulting in the most superior properties.

Benefits for AM Companies

With muTWIN, AM companies can drastically reduce the time-to-market and experimentation costs for new products. This brings new opportunities to:

1. Design structurally and functionally graded materials.
2. Discover new alloy compositions and processing routes.
3. Drive innovation in many other areas such as medical applications, aerospace, construction, and energy.

Future Steps

The patentability of this idea and interest from industrial partners will be examined, and a strategic plan for valorisation and possibly commercialisation of the product will be developed.