| Abstract Scope |
Proper understanding and characterization of powder flow behavior will directly correlate with success in Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes. Poor flowing bulk solids may lead to blockages, wasted materials, or defects in the built part. The behavior of powder feedstocks will depend on the particle interactions, such as cohesion, friction, and shape effects. However, these interactions will vary under different conditions for the powder. This poses difficulties in powder handling because a given material’s behavior will vary with the process conditions such as shear rate and consolidation stress; internal properties such as particle size, shape, and density; and external factors such as processing environment or wall interactions on equipment surfaces. Various techniques including static, quasi-static, and dynamic methods were implemented to characterize different particle interactions and to quantify powder rheology under various conditions. This study provides critical information for qualifying feedstock materials and ensuring build quality for AM applications. |