WE Colloquium: Michael Kirka, Challenges and Opportunities for Metals Additive Manufacturing

Materials Scientist, Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) represents a significant evolution in the method by which industrially relevant components can be designed and fabricated in manners not possible by traditional techniques. While the desire is to have a push button process for the manufacture of components, there are many challenges currently facing metals additive manufacturing from metallurgical processing to structure property relationships. To be discussed is the current avenues being pursued by ORNL within the context of the electron beam melting process for qualification and certification of titanium and nickel-base superalloy AM components.

Bio

 

Dr. Michael Kirka is a Materials Scientist within the Deposition Science and Technology Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Michael’s current research focuses on evaluating the suitability and limitations of high temperature Nickel-base (Ni-base) superalloys for additive manufacturing processes through understanding their microstructural evolution during processing in relation to their microstructure-property relationships. Additionally, Michael work on developing heat-treatments specific to Ni-base superalloy processed via additive manufacturing. Previously, Michael’s research has focused on laser based repair techniques for Ni-base superalloy gas turbine airfoils and understanding the thermomechanical material degradation mechanisms in nickel-base superalloys exposed to service like conditions. Michael received his B.S. in materials science 2007 from The University of Michigan and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from The Georgia Institute of Technology in mechanical engineering in 2010 and 2014 respectively.