01
Define the problem
Investigated whether thermal post-processing influences the damping behaviour of additively manufactured structures containing internal particle-filled cavities.
Selected work · Student research
Thermal post-processing of additively manufactured particle damping structures.
This project investigated how thermal post-processing may influence the damping behaviour of Scalmalloy structures manufactured through laser powder bed fusion. My work combined CAD development, experimental testing, X-ray CT evaluation and MATLAB-based signal analysis.
Autodesk InventorMATLABPBF-LB/MScalmalloyX-ray CT
Explore the case studyDrag to inspect
Independent portfolio illustration. It does not reproduce confidential university geometry or research data.
Project type
University student research
Manufacturing
PBF-LB/M
Material
Scalmalloy
Institute
IPeG, Leibniz University Hannover
Project overview
Understanding a geometry-dependent engineering problem.
Additively manufactured components can contain enclosed cavities that retain unfused powder. When the component vibrates, movement and interaction of these particles can dissipate mechanical energy.
Metal LPBF components may also require thermal post-processing. The central question was whether exposure to heat changes particle mobility or the behaviour of the particle-filled cavities.
The investigation therefore connected part geometry, manufacturing, post-processing, non-destructive characterisation and experimental vibration analysis.
Research question
How does thermal post-processing influence the damping behaviour of PBF-LB/M structures containing integrated particle-filled cavities?
Engineering workflow
From research question to experimental evaluation.
02
Develop geometries
Created and modified CAD geometries while considering enclosed features, wall dimensions and additive-manufacturing constraints.
03
Evaluate specimens
Supported the experimental investigation through structured vibration testing and non-destructive X-ray CT evaluation.
04
Process the data
Developed MATLAB workflows for vibration-signal processing, result visualisation and comparison of specimen behaviour.
My contribution
Responsibilities across design, testing and analysis.
Reviewed literature on additive manufacturing, particle damping, Scalmalloy and thermal post-processing.
Developed and modified specimen geometries using Autodesk Inventor.
Considered manufacturability when designing enclosed internal features.
Supported the planning and execution of vibration experiments.
Worked with force and acceleration measurement data from the experimental setup.
Used X-ray CT information to evaluate internal cavities non-destructively.
Developed MATLAB scripts for signal processing and engineering analysis.
Documented the methodology, observations, limitations and future research directions.
Methods & tools
A multidisciplinary research toolset.
Autodesk InventorMATLABPBF-LB/MScalmalloyX-ray CTVibration testingSignal processingExperimental analysis
Lessons learned
What the project taught me.
01
Design and manufacturing are connected
Internal geometry cannot be considered independently from manufacturing orientation, unsupported features and the limitations of the LPBF process.
02
Experiments require careful interpretation
Measurement noise, mounting conditions and baseline selection can significantly influence conclusions drawn from vibration data.
03
Visualisation supports engineering decisions
Clear plots and structured comparisons make complex experimental results easier to review, question and communicate.
Public portfolio notice
Confidential research material is not reproduced here.
This page provides a high-level description of my role, methods and learning outcomes. Original specimen geometries, university photographs, CT images, numerical research data, source code and detailed results are excluded. Future interactive visuals will use independently created demonstration designs.
Next direction
Applying the principle to independent AM concepts.
The next stage of this portfolio will explore original aerospace-, automotive- or medical-inspired components with independently designed internal damping features. These models will demonstrate CAD development and design-for-additive- manufacturing thinking without reproducing confidential research geometry.
Learn more about my direction