Study of laser beam shape-induced melt pool dynamics for improving process control in metal AM

This collaborative work leverages expertise at LLNL (in laser beam shaping) and CMU (in X-ray diagnostics, powder characterization, 3D printing, and metallographic characterization) to improve understanding of the effect of engineered laser beam shapes (Bessel, vortex, polarized and phase-engineered beams) on the microstructural and mechanical properties of LPBF-printed parts. This will be accomplished using two primary efforts focused on 1) advanced defect and microstructure characterization in materials such as Ti64, Al alloys and SS 316L printed using shaped laser beams, and 2) acquisition of X-ray radiography, diffraction and in situ acoustic sensor data and subsequent data analysis.