Microstructure evolution and deformation mechanics of laser powder bed fusion produced β-type titanium alloys under different loading conditions
Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Master of Engineering Science
School
School of Engineering
First Supervisor
Laichang Zhang
Second Supervisor
Peng Qin
Abstract
As the challenges associated with an aging population escalate, older people increasingly suffer from conditions such as arthritis and joint pain. Therefore, there has been a significant rise in demand for medical implants to address the issue of replacing dysfunctional hard tissues. Titanium (Ti) alloys have garnered increasing attention for medical applications, owing to their high strength-to-weight ratio, superior fatigue performance, and excellent corrosion resistance. Among different types of Ti alloys, β-type Ti alloys exhibit excellent biocompatibility due to their relatively low elastic modulus as well as non-toxic elements. Currently, β-type Ti alloys are predominantly produced using the conventional subtractive methods. However, these traditional manufacturing methods still have some limitations when producing β-type Ti alloy medical implants, such as difficulty in processing customized shapes, easy oxidation, and waste of raw materials. As an emerging additive manufacturing technology, laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) adopts the laser beam to produce products in a building chamber filled with inert gas (argon), effectively reducing the oxidation of produced products. In addition, because of the smaller beam spot, L-PBF can produce products with high accuracy, which makes it particularly suitable for the production of small, complex-shaped products, such as medical implants. Therefore, the combination of the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) technique and β-type Ti alloys provide an ideal strategy for the medical implants from both production and material aspects. In practical applications, medical implants usually encounter complex loading conditions. Thus, it is crucial to investigate the microstructure evolution of β-type Ti alloys produced via L-PBF under various loading conditions. This thesis aims to provide a systematically understanding of the relationship between the microstructure and mechanical properties of L-PBF-produced β-type Ti alloys under various loading conditions including flexural, tensile, and localized compressive stresses. This is crucial for bridging the gap between the development and practical applications of medical implants, ensuring optimal mechanical performance and reliability.
DOI
10.25958/2prp-m376
Access Note
Access to this thesis is embargoed until 14th September 2029.
Recommended Citation
Ma, H. (2024). Microstructure evolution and deformation mechanics of laser powder bed fusion produced β-type titanium alloys under different loading conditions. Edith Cowan University. https://doi.org/10.25958/2prp-m376
Comments
Author also known as H.Y. Ma