Development of a Metal Droplet Generator for Studying Impact Dynamics

<p>Metal droplet-based 3D printing is a popular technique used for creating complex structures and multi-material components. However, accuracy is a significant challenge in this process due to complex thermal and dynamic behaviors that can negatively affect the final workpiece. To improve accuracy, the interactions between droplet impact dynamics and the deposition process of the droplets must be understood and ultimately controlled. In this thesis, I describe the optimization and implementation of an experimental setup for generating droplets of tin and for studying their impact dynamics. In particular, this thesis explains how an existing preliminary droplet generator was modified to produce single droplets and how oxidation of the tin was avoided. The problem of continuous droplet dropping was solved by installing a vent hole which can be controlled by a flow-adjustment valve that can release excess gas to reduce the pressure given to the heater chamber. Another critical factor in the experiment was preventing the oxidation of tin at high temperatures. To avoid this, air was evacuated from the environmental chamber and instead flushed by nitrogen. This work details how to check and modify the system leakage and redesign the generator. Overall, the modifications and improvements aimed to optimize the process of generating droplets for future research. I will conclude by presenting preliminary experiments on droplet impact and solidification dynamics, which will lay the groundwork for future researchers to study the coupling of impact, heat transfer, and solidification dynamics in more detail.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science

Year dc:date.available

2023

Author dc:creator

• Xu, Xitong

Contributors dc:contributor

• Patricia Weisensee, Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science
• Patricia Weisensee Xianglin Li J. Mark Meacham

• Engineering

Statement dc:rights

• I have not registered my thesis with the U.S. Copyright Office, and do not intend to.

Language dc:language

English (en)

Identifier

https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/eng_etds/839

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:openscholarship.wustl.edu:eng_etds-1902