13 research outputs found
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Stereolithography-Based Manufacturing of Molds for Directionally Solidified Castings
Directionally solidified components, such as single crystal turbine blades, are
typically grown using shell molds prepared using a lost wax process that begins with injection-molded wax positives. These positives have complex designs, are manufactured in low volumes,
and are made using expensive tooling. Here we investigate the potential of replacing these
injection-molded positives with plastic patterns created using stereolithography. By using 3D
printing instead of injection molding to create the positives, we can dramatically reduce tooling
costs and leverage the freedom of design offered by 3D printing to create more intricate turbine
blade designs. While using 3D printed positives to create molds for shape castings was one of the
earliest examples of rapid prototyping of metallic components, the present work highlights the
potential of extending this approach to molds used for growing single crystal parts.Mechanical Engineerin
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Hypervelocity Impact of Additively Manufactured A356/316L Interpenetrating Phase Composites
We have examined the hypervelocity impact response of targets made from monolithic
A356 and 316L stainless steel, as well as an additively manufactured A356/316L interpenetrating
phase composite. 1.9 mm diameter spherical projectiles made from 2017 aluminum were fired at
velocities of 5.9-6.1 km/s, allowing for the observation of multiple types of macro- and
microstructural damage within each target. The macroscopic cratering damage to the A356/316L
composite resembles that of the A356, but observations of both the cross section and the
microstructural damage suggest that the A356/316L composite may be more resistant to spalling
than A356 shielding with the same areal density.Mechanical Engineerin