Metal Additive Manufacturing of Pressure Vessel Experimental Models

The Phase I effort will result in a detailed process document specifying the steps and associated procedures for manufacturing pressure vessel test models from HY100 metal powder using DMLS or DMLM additive manufacturing (AM). The steps and their associated procedures will be verified through testing ASTM test specimens and deep submergence testing of a smaller diameter (10” diameter) test vessel. The processes and procedures will include powder specification, DMLS machine parameter settings, support structure design and placement, post-processing procedures, instrumentation and testing procedures. The Phase I Base effort will result in a document that can be conveyed to a large build volume AM machine operator to use in the construction of two large diameter (18” to 24”) test pressure vessels. The procedures and processes for building the large diameter test vessels will be based on previous work with HY100 powders in the DMLS AM process and previous experience in developing and testing implosion test articles. Large build volume machine operators will be identified and engaged to determine machine time availability, lead times for building the structures, and costs. Detailed build and test plans for the Phase II effort will be generated in the Phase I Option effort.