muTWIN · Innovative digital twin concept of complex microstructure evolution in multi-component materials

Tailoring the microstructural features in metal additive manufacturing (AM) products is still a great challenge, limiting the design flexibility and full exploitation of the technique. The aim of muTWIN is to implement and validate an innovative digital twin concept of microstructure evolution in technical alloys. The new concept allows for fast and accurate computation of local microstructures in AM parts as a function of local composition and temperature history. When integrated in thermal and mechanical Finite Element (FE) approaches it will enable realistic predictions of properties, performance and reliability of the printed parts. Moreover, it allows for fast and high-dimensional computational ‘search’ through the huge design space accessible with AM, to find the compositions and processing parameters resulting in the most superior properties. With muTWIN, AM companies can drastically reduce the time-to-market and experimentation cost for new products. This brings new opportunities to design structurally and functionally graded materials and discover new alloy compositions and processing routes and will drive innovation in many other areas as well, such as medical applications, aerospace, construction and energy. The patentability of this idea and interest from industrial partners will be examined and a strategic plan for valorisation and possibly commercialisation of the product will be developed.