Microstructural and thermomechanical simulation of the additive manufacturing process in 316L austenitic stainless steel

Additive manufacturing of an AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel was studied via an integrated thermomechanical and microstructural modelling approach. A finite element technique was employed to evaluate the temperature evolution due to successive material deposition. Heat transfer simulations provided the temperature field history, required to determine the microstructural evolution. Thermodynamic and kinetic simulations were employed to calculate temporal and spatial distribution of phases and alloying elements upon solidification and subsequent thermal cycling. The ensuing microstructural properties could be provided as an input for a mechanical finite element analysis to calculate, based on local mechanical properties, the residual stresses and distortions.