Accurate models of additively manufactured (AM) materials require extensive mechanical testing for proper calibration and verification/validation. The process-structure-property relationships in 17-4PH stainless steel from multiple manufacturing modes were examined via mechanical testing across several strain rates and post-mortem characterizations of the fracture surfaces and microstructure. Under all manufacturing modes and testing conditions, optical and scanning electron microscopy showed ductile failure characteristics. Higher porosity concentration (determined by density measurement) resulted in lower ultimate strength in cast samples; the pores often acted as crack initiation points. Strain-rate dependence and failure modes were also affected by process-dependent anisotropy in the microstructure, which was quantified through electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) imaging. This data will be used to inform models of failure in the 17-4PH for multiple manufacturing forms.
EXTENDED ABSTRACT