Abstract: A scaling method for simulating any manufacturing process employing a moving heat source is disclosed. The method is intended to melt or sinter a material, wherein the heat source is driven according to a defined path. The method requires a meso-scale model, which evaluates the physical quantities representative of the process-induced thermal history and residual stress and strain fields for each set of process parameters employed for the given material. The meso-scale results, obtained by modeling one or multiple scan lines, are transferred to the elements of the macro-scale finite element mesh based on the defined path. The scaling is performed pointwise and followed by an averaging operation on the values of the physical quantities computed inside each element of the macro-scale finite element mesh. Finally, a macro-scale simulation is executed for evaluating the residual stresses and distortions arising throughout the entire manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method for detecting mechanical features of a material, in particular a metal material, provides a preliminary step where a database is created containing a finite number of reference curves (P,h) (52). Such curves are obtained using a finite elements analysis and reproduce the trend of the applied force (P) responsive to the penetration depth (h) during an indentation test. The reference curves (P,h) are obtained for a determined number of different materials having a known elastic modulus E, and values of yield stress (?sn) and strain-hardening coefficient (n) comprised within determined ranges. The tested sample is then arranged at an indenter, for example a ball indenter (52), for being subject to an indentation test. This is started to cause a graduated penetration of the indenter in the material subject to analysis (53). During the indentation test the penetration depth (h) responsive to the penetration force (P) are measured, and a succession of measured couples (P,h) (54) is then recorded.

Abstract: A method for detecting mechanical features of a material, in particular a metal material, provides a preliminary step where a database is created containing a finite number of reference curves (P,h) (52). Such curves are obtained using a finite elements analysis and reproduce the trend of the applied force (P) responsive to the penetration depth (h) during an indentation test. The reference curves (P,h) are obtained for a determined number of different materials having a known elastic modulus E, and values of yield stress (?sn) and strain-hardening coefficient (n) comprised within determined ranges. The tested sample is then arranged at an indenter, for example a ball indenter (52), for being subject to an indentation test. This is started to cause a graduated penetration of the indenter in the material subject to analysis (53). During the indentation test the penetration depth (h) responsive to the penetration force (P) are measured, and a succession of measured couples (P,h) (54) is then recorded.