Effects of temperature and confinement mechanisms on the deformation of selective laser melting 3D printed SS316 using finite element analysis.

The confined constrained deformation behavior of SLM 3D printed SS316 has been analyzed at room temperature, 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C temperature through static ball indentation finite element analysis technique model (load range 5 kN to 50 kN). The constrained confined deformation behavior analysis of SLM 3D printed SS316L steel specimen through static indentation process helps understand their mechanical response under localized compressive loading. This study helps to understand material plastic flow behavior at the time of low-velocity foreign object strike. Further, the results were analysed in terms of Meyer's hardness (H(M)), constraint factor (CF), lip height, average strain, strain hardening index (p), and indentation strength coefficient (A). The finite element analysis (FEA) results are validated with the analytical models (Johnson's Expansion cavity model (ECM) and Richmond's fully-plastic model (FPM)) and experimental results. The results revealed that the Meyer's hardness was reduced 10.20%, 21.68%, 42.07% and 66.62% at 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C respectively, compared with room temperature. Further, the lip height was increased by 24.34%, 51.40%, 98.29% and 129.22% at 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C respectively, compared with room temperature. The constraint factor (CF) was 2.539, 2.625, 2.711, 2.961 and 3.211 at room temperature, 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C temperature respectively under confined constrained deformation condition. Further, the CF was increased with increase in the temperature. The yield strength of the investigated material was decreased by 8.60%, 27.08%, 55.44% and 75.45% at the 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C respectively. Further, the compressive strength was decreased by 9.94%, 30.01%, 61.72% and 88.41% at the 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C and 800 °C respectively. The FEA model results show the good agreement with the experimental results with less than 5% percentage difference. This shows the good prediction capability of the developed FEA model. The constrained confined deformation behavior study on SLM 3D printed SS316L study is the prime focus of the current investigation which confirms the suitability of material under foreign objects impact conditions like aerospace and defence sector.