About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2026)
|
| Symposium
|
2026 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2026)
|
| Presentation Title |
Multimodal Non-Destructive Evaluation of Leak Behavior in LPBF 316L Stainless Steel Pipe Structures |
| Author(s) |
Jorge Avila |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Jorge Avila |
| Abstract Scope |
This study investigates leak detection in 316L stainless steel pipe components fabricated via Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF). A modular sensing platform integrating nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques (thermal imaging and ultrasonic monitoring) was developed to detect and characterize leaks in additively manufactured structures under medium-pressure gas conditions. The system enables real-time monitoring without interrupting flow and can be adapted for deployment on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for remote inspection. A custom pneumatic test rig with temperature and pressure instrumentation was used to evaluate LPBF-printed 316L tee pipe specimens. Experimental results and simulations confirmed the platform’s capability to identify leakage and assess structural integrity. Additionally, a Python-based image analysis workflow using metallography and optical microscopy quantified porosity and identified potential internal leak pathways. Computed tomography (CT) in 2D and 3D validated defect presence. This integrated methodology enhances leak detection and quality control in additively manufactured components. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |