Extensible Modeling to Create Knowledgebase for AM Processing of Alloy GrCop-84

The research objective of the proposed work is to demonstrate feasibility of utilizing extensible modeling to create an AM knowledgebase for copper alloy, GrCop-84, and utilize it to design an AM process for GrCop-84. The work plan has three tasks: (1) Utilize process modeling to demonstrate feasibility of predicting AM process parameters for alloy GrCop-84 for the powder bed and blown powder processes and generate parameter verification data. (2) Perform extensible modeling to generate an AM knowledgebase for GrCop-84 for the powder bed and blown powder processes. Demonstrate compatibility of extensible modeling for another alloy of interest to NASA by generating a knowledgebase for that alloy using existing data at AO. (3) Demonstrate feasibility of applying extensible modeling of the AM process and rapid solidification modeling of AM microstructure to mitigate build defects, dimensional errors, and microstructure inhomogeneity for either the powder bed or blown powder process for alloy GrCop-84. The deliverables are: (1) AM processing parameters; (2) AM knowledgebase to account for modest changes in parameters; (3) A microstructure model for rapid solidification; (4) Demonstration of feasibility to mitigate build defects, dimensional errors, and microstructure inhomogeneity.

The NASA commercial applications from the proposed work are to support the AM process developments for: (1) The transformation of liquid propulsion systems in reducing its cost, fabrication time, and overall part count; (2) The Journey to Mars, (e.g., MOXIE and SHERLOC); and (3) The human explorations and operations portfolio for Exploratory Systems Developments for Orion and SLS as well as the Commercial Crew Program, Dragon V2.

The non-NASA commercial applications from the proposed work are widespread. For example: (1) Replacement and repair of commercial jet engine components; (2) Conformal heat exchangers with enhanced thermal efficiency; and (3) Low-cost, low-volume, one-of-a-kind, non-critical components for industrial automation.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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