Authors:
Baraa QADDAH (1,2), Pierre CHAPELLE (2), Bernard DUSSOUBS (2), Nicolas RIMBERT (3), Alexandre PIAGET (4), Alireza ARBAB (4), Pascal LAMESLE (1)
1- IRT M2P, Metz, France
2- Institut Jean Lamour, Université de Lorraine, France
3- LEMTA, Vandœuvre-les-Nancy, France
4- Constellium, Voreppe, France
Abstract:
Gas atomization is currently the main method of powder production for metal additive manufacturing. The Vacuum Induction Melting Gas Atomization (VIGA) is a close-coupled process used to produce spherical powders for all non-reactive materials melted by induction in a crucible. In this process, a supersonic gas jet impinges on a stream of molten metal, atomizing it into small droplets forming powders once solidification has taken place. A numerical model is developed to simulate gas flow patterns through and downstream of the VIGA nozzle. The influence of the type of gas (argon or nitrogen) on gas flow behaviour in the atomization chamber is investigated. The results show that nitrogen provides a higher velocity than argon, reduces gas consumption in the system and could be beneficial for the production of smaller droplets. The underlying mechanisms and implications for operation of the atomizer will be discussed.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59499/EP246287353
