abstract
- A three-dimensional Finite Element Model has been developed in order to predict the optimum processing parameters during the laser melting of an AA6061 feedstock using the Additive Manufacturing (AM) process Selective Laser Melting (SLM) for the manufacturing of the CIIIASaT's structure. The presented model computes the heat flow characteristics in three dimensions of the SLM process as well as the melt pool geometry formed during the process. The model considers the phase transformations and physical phenomena present during the SLM of AA6061 in order to predict the thermal gradients present during the process. The developed model was capable of predicting the melt pool size (with an error between 16 and 6% for different samples). Porosity of the manufactured samples was measured as an additional information and for future reference. SLM technologies demonstrated to be capable of producing AA6061 structures for their usage in Cubesats.