Study of electron beam refining of metals by modelling of heat processes

Abstract

The development and application of heat mathematical models and simulation tools, taking into account peculiarities of the investigated metals enable a more precise determination of the effect of the electron beam melting parameters (beam power, residence time, etc.) on the quality of the refined metal, to assess the relation between the processes and the material properties, as well as to formulate recommendations regarding the controlled parameters for increasing the efficiency of the technological e-beam melting and refining process. In this work, developed time-dependent simulation tool for heat transfer modeling at e-beam melting, aiming to aid understanding and optimizing electron beam refining process of metals materials, is applied for melting of different metals (tantalum, copper, and titanium). The model is validated using experimental data for the melted pool geometry and results are discussed.