The Material Point Method (MPM) is a modern finite element method that is classified as a point based method or meshless method, while it takes the advantage of two kinds of spatial discretisation that are based on an arbitrary Eulerian-Lagrangian description of motion. The referenced continuum is represented by the material points, and the motions are tracked through a computational background mesh, that is an arbitrary constant mesh which does not move the material. Hence, in the MPM mesh distortion especially in the large deformation analysis is naturally avoided. However, MPM has been employed to simulate difficult problems in the literature, many are still unsatisfactory due to the lack of rigorous validation. Therefore, this thesis firstly provides a series of simple case studies which any numerical method must pass to test the validity of the MPM, and secondly demonstrate the capability of the MPM in simulating difficult problems such as degradation of highly swellable polymers during large swelling that is currently difficult to handle by the standard finite element method. Flory’s theory is incorporated into the material point method to study large swelling of polymers, and degradation of highly swellable polymers is modelled by the MPM as a random phenomenon based on the normal distribution of the volumetric strain. These numerical developments represent adaptability of the MPM and enabling the method to be used in more complicated simulations. Furthermore, the advantages of this powerful numerical tool are studied in the modelling of an additive manufacturing technology called Selective Laser Melting (SLM). It is shown the MPM is an ideal numerical method to study SLM manufacturing technique. The focus of this thesis is to validate the MPM and exhibit the simplicity, strength, and accuracy of this numerical tool compared with standard finite element method for very complex problems which requires a complicated topological system.

La fabrication directe et additive regroupe un ensemble de technologies de mise en forme des matériaux en rupture avec les procédés conventionnels. L'industrie aéronautique et aérospatiale s'intéresse fortement à ces nouveaux procédés, dont la fusion sélective par laser de lits de poudre métallique (SLM). Cette thèse présentera les enjeux de la fabrication additive ainsi que certains procédés. Une étude bibliographique a été menée sur deux alliages aéronautiques utilisés dans ces travaux : l'alliage de titane TA6V et le superalliage base nickel Nimonic 263. Les travaux présentés dans ce rapport comprennent l'étude de la poudre métallique brute d'atomisation (morphologie, granulométrie, composition chimique). D'autre part, l'étude de la recyclabilité de la poudre utilisée en SLM est présentée pour le TA6V, tant en ce qui concerne l'évolution de la poudre elle-même que celle des propriétés mécaniques des pièces qui en sont issues. Par ailleurs ce travail traite d'un modèle de consolidation du lit de poudre permettant également d'évaluer la productivité du procédé. Enfin, une étude paramétrique et thermique menée sur le Nimonic 263 en vue de l'établissement d'une solution de contrôle procédé est présentée. / Direct and additive manufacturing regroups several new technologies that are very different from conventional manufacturing processes such as casting. Aeronautic and space industries are really interested in those new processes such as the selective laser melting of metallic powder beds know as the SLM process. This PhD thesis report will show the issues of additive manufacturing and will describe some processes. A bibliography study has been done on two aeronautical alloys used in this work: titanium alloy TA6V and nickel-based superalloy Nimonic 263. This work also presents powder characterization (granulometry, morphology chemical composition) for the gas atomized powder. Besides, study has been done on the recyclability of the TA6V powder for the SLM process, for the powder itself and the mechanical properties of parts built from recycled powder. Moreover, this works deals with a powder bed consolidation model to estimate the productivity of the process. Then, a parametric and thermal study has been done on the Nimonic 263. The coaxial system for thermal visualization is described such as the image processing algorithm used. Finally, this reports deals with the study of thermal signature of typical SLM defects.

This diploma thesis deals with processing of high strength aluminum alloy EN AW 7075 by Selective Laser Melting and verify the influence of process parameters on relative density and mechanical properties. The theoretical part contains an introduction to additive manufacturing of aluminum alloys, the influence of process parameters and description of processes occuring during SLM production. Based on the theoretical part were prepared experiments and method of evaluation. Samples were produced by melting metallurgical powder using ytterbium laser with a maximum output power of 400 W. This diploma thesis also describes the formation and growth of cracks inside the material, which so far in the literature for alloy EN AW 7075 were not described. As the result, the process parameters dependence on the relative density and an overview of this aluminum alloy processing by SLM technology is determined.

This diploma thesis deals with finding and verification of appropriate technological parameters of SLM technology for the processing of aluminum alloy 2618. In the theoretical part, an introduction to additive manufacturing of aluminum alloys and general description of processes occurring during SLM production is given. Based on general knowledge were designed different types of testing samples produced by sintering the metallurgical powder using 400 W ytterbium fiber laser, which so far in the literature for aluminum alloy 2618 were not described. As the result, the technological parameters dependence on relative density and the detailed overview of the 2618 alloy processing by SLM technology is determined.

The aim of the diploma thesis is to study fatigue properties of EN AW-2618A aluminium alloy produced by selective laser melting (SLM). S-N diagrams of reference alloy and SLM material depending on manufacturing conditions were constructed. Reference alloy had the same chemical composition as the SLM material, but it was made by traditional technology (by extruding). While testing, acoustic emission (AE) and resonant frequency of loading was monitored. Fractographic analyses of fracture surfaces were performed. It was found, that SLM material has significantly worse fatigue performance. Fatigue properties are strongly dependent on SLM process parameters settings and precise observance of procedure. The most significant differences in cyclic degradation were found in the length of the stages of fatigue. The more homogeneous the material is, the longer the nucleation stage compared to the total lifetime is. The main source of AE in case of the reference material is plastic deformation on the tip of the crack. For SLM testing, stronger acoustic activity was recorded, because brittle fracture of the material between discontinuities, which is stronger AE source, is more frequent.

This diploma thesis deals with finding copper alloy suitable for processing SLM technology and determining the process parameters leading to a relative density close to the full material. The theoretical part provides an insight into additive technology and the processing of new alloys in SLM. Work also contains a search report of processed copper alloys used in SLM. Based on the theoretical part were designed test samples and method of evaluation. Samples were produced by melting metallurgical powder using ytterbium laser with an output power 400 W. The testing is divided into three stages; Determination of the parameters of the SLM process, Debug strategies for larger parts, Geometric precision and mechanical testing. Based on the results was determined dependence of relative density on the input parameters. For the best parameters were determined geometric precision correction and mechanical properties.

Additive manufacturing (AM) is an attractive way to shorten development time, reduce product weight and allow the manufacturing of more complex products than by conventional manufacturing processes. The problem arises when the previous traditional manufacturing requirements need to be fulfilled by AM as well as the volume production capability. This investigation is done together with Ericsson to evaluate the possibilities of the different AM technologies, post-processing methods and silver coating processes to guarantee the specifications of radiofrequency (RF) filters. Here, minimal RF signal insertion losses are targeted. Since insertion losses are dependent on surface roughness, surface smoothness is sought as well. Ericsson simulation software uses correction factors to account for surface roughness, however there are some inconsistencies between the simulated and actual surface roughness that is allowed in the parts. In AM parts, surface roughness is not easy to control since it depends on parameters related to feedstock, process and machine properties. Commonly, most AM components do not comply with requirements of lower surface roughness values. Therefore, parts need to be smoothened before silver plated; this step is necessary to ensure the electrical conductivity in this specific application. These finishing processes add costs to the final product and increase time to market. Firstly, a comprehensive study was carried out to better understand the landscape of AM technologies, postprocessing and silver coating methods. Secondly, the different processes are assessed with the help of selection matrices, considering the products requirements. The components to print are two RF filters with different shapes and dimensions but similar requirements. The CAD design is modified depending on each AM process and directly affects the results. Afterwards, the design of an experimental plan is carried out; the number of samples of each part comparing AM technologies, feedstock, different suppliers (3D printing and post-processing) is obtained. Due to budget and time restrictions, the parts were printed using Multi Jet Fusion and Selective Laser Melting processes. After printing, tolerances and surface roughness were measured. This thesis results in the selection of suitable AM technologies and post-processing methods for RF filters. For MJF printed cavities at 0˚, 30˚ and 90˚ orientation, the best results for this application are obtained at 30˚ providing a good balance between sharp detail and smooth surfaces. In the case of SLM, waveguides are printed at 0˚ and 30˚. 30˚ waveguides present lower surface roughness values than the 0˚ ones as inner support material is needed at 0˚ orientation. SLM cavities were printed at 30˚ in seek of asymmetry between faces, resulting in higher surface roughness in the downfacing face.

Master's thesis deals with the experimental determination of process parameters reaching densities >99 % for scandium modified aluminium alloy (Scalmalloy®) processed by SLM. The alloy achieves higher mechanical properties than the AlSi10Mg aluminum alloy commonly used. The theoretical part deals mainly with the results of Scalmalloy® alloys. Experimental bodies, testing methodology and evaluation method were designed on the basis of the theoretical parts,. The practical part is divided into four main stages: experimental determination of process parameters, a description of the effect of the parameters used on the relative density achieved, examination of the influence of process parameters on surface quality and mechanical testing. The mechanical properties were determined for the best parameters.

The master's thesis deals with properties of aluminium alloys prepared by SLM process. The teoretical part of thesis is focused on decribtion of selective laser melting technology, metallurgical defects and mechanical properties of aluminium alloys processed by this technology. The experimental part of this thesis deals with selections of the SLM process parameters suitable for samples preparation in bulk. Tensile testing at room temperature was used for evaluation of basic mechanical properties. Metallographic and fractographic analyses were performed for evaluation of the microstructure and fracture mechanisms. The materials characteristics obtained on SLM samples were compared with the properties of the same materials grade produced by conventional technologies.

In the work is used the processing of metallic material by the method of Selective Laser Melting. The main objective is to verify and describe the influence of the individual process parameters entering the production process when processing the alloy Cu7.2Ni1.8Si1Cr with SLM. This alloy contains 90 % copper. The first theoretical part of the thesis describes so far processed copper alloys with a high content of copper using the method of Selective Laser Melting. The practical part then deals with the specification of the main process parameters, which are optimized in the next part of the work solution. On the basis of the information obtained experimental bodies have been created, which will be tested and analyzed in several steps. The work focuses on thin-walled samples, which have a perspective use in the creation of highefficiency heat exchangers. The main results that the work deals with are the relative density and mechanical properties of the material. Also, great emphasis is placed on the resulting surface quality