Exploring the Flash Heating method in additive manufacturing for residual stress prediction: A comparative study with diffraction results from X-ray and neutron techniques

Residual stress (RS) control is crucial for ensuring the performance and reliability of components produced through laser-based powder bed fusion (PBF-LB) additive manufacturing (AM). This study evaluates the Flash Heating (FH) method as an efficient approach for RS prediction, comparing its outcomes with multiple experimental techniques, including X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, and layer removal methods. These experimental assessments are conducted in different regions of the component, both before and after detachment from the baseplate. The study validates the FH method and analyzes key numerical parameters, such as meta-layer height, contact time, and time-stepping strategies. Results indicate that FH effectively predicts bulk RS distributions but shows discrepancies in surface stress estimations, likely due to unaccounted factors like surface roughness. Additionally, implementing experimentally derived material properties from as-built AM samples significantly enhances model accuracy compared to conventional material datasets. These findings underscore the potential of FH for efficient RS prediction in PBF-LB while identifying areas for further improvement. Refinements should focus on incorporating anisotropic, temperature-dependent material behavior derived from as-built AM samples and surface roughness effects. This work advances the understanding of key factors necessary for accurate and computationally efficient RS prediction, supporting the optimization of AM processes.