On the Numerical Simulation of the Microstructural Evolution Induced by Laser Additive Manufacturing of Steel Products.

A numerical model is developed to simulate the microstructural evolution during a laser additive manufacturing process. The model is based on original algorithms designed with the use of a modified cellular automata method proposed by Rappaz and Gandin to describe the formation of grain structure during solidification, together with the classical numerical finite difference solution of a heat transfer equation. A double ellipsoid heat source model is employed to calculate the heat input during laser additive manufacturing. The model is validated using experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]