Dr. Wei Li, Assistant Professor from Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas will give a seminar titled "Studying Additive Manufacturing with Multi-physics, Multi-scales, and Multi-materials Modeling Framework & Low-temperature Metal AM" to the interested faculty and students at Discovery Park.

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing (AM), also called 3D printing, is being widely accepted in various applications, such as aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and defense industries. Due to the complicated manufacturing characteristics, only experimental approach is not sufficient to investigate all the key details in AM process and product. This seminar will showcase several additive manufacturing topics in Dr. Wei Li’s research lab which are emphasized on modeling approaches. In addition, an unexplored metal AM process, low-temperature directed energy deposition (low-temp DED), will be introduced in the seminar. The main topics include: (1) Multi-physics modeling study of AM processes including powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, wire arc additive manufacturing, bio 3D printing, binder jetting. The multiple physics involve particle movement, heat & mass transfer, phase change, printed geometry, and microgravity conditions in the international space station, Moon, or Mars. (2) Multi-scale modeling study of residual stress, porosity, and microstructure in metal AM process. This research area is focused on the grain evolution and porosity’s influence in local regions surrounding the pores. (3). Multi-material modeling study of the printing of functionally gradient materials with directed energy deposition process. A study case of Stainless Steel 316L/Inconel 718 functional gradient material is introduced in this topic. (4). Low-temperature DED. The presenter will introduce some unique benefits of the DED process conducted in low temperature conditions (-20 °C for example), such as powder saving, high cooling rate, and better mechanical strength.

Biography

Dr. Wei Li specializes in the research of additive manufacturing and 3D printing. He is Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering Department in the University of Texas at Dallas. His research interests include metallic AM with multiple materials, pore defect and influence, wire arc additive manufacturing, fine machining of AM part, repair with AM process, bio-3D printing, in-space additive manufacturing, low-temperature AM, and modeling of AM process. Before joining UT Dallas, Dr. Li was the post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at University of California, Davis. Dr. Li earned his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology (former Missouri University-Rolla) in 2018. He has two M.S. degrees: one in Manufacturing Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology in 2017, the other in Aerospace Engineering from Tongji University in 2012.