Wenda Tan¹; ¹University of Utah

In this work, a multi-physics modeling framework is presented to simulate the important phenomena that determine the process-microstructure relationship for the binder jetting products. In the first stage, a model that integrates a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete element method (DEM) is used to simulate the fluid dynamics of the binder droplets (high-speed impact, deformation, and imbibition) and the powder motion (due to the droplet impact). The model will predict the powder bed structure after the binder jetting process. In the second stage, a phase field model is used to simulate the particle coalescence and microstructure evolution during the sintering process. The model will predict the porosity and microstructure after the sintering process. This modeling framework will provide a useful approach for the physics understanding and/or process optimization for this process.