Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year (2017-2018 to 2018-2019).

Gas atomization process is commonly used to produce metallic powders by rapid fragmentation of the flow ofx000D
melt stream falling due to gravitational force. Fragmentation of melt stream starts with the formation ofx000D
ligaments (primary atomization) followed by further breakup and the formation of spherical droplets (i.e.x000D
secondary breakup). The effectiveness of gas atomization process directly influences the powder sizex000D
distribution produced in a powder manufacturing plant. Powders produced with this process are being used forx000D
critical metallization applications and they must meet certain specifications. The ability to simulate the gasx000D
atomization particularly the zone of interaction between gas and melt stream is a valuable advancement for thex000D
optimization of process parameters in order to meet the required specifications. In collaboration with Eutecticx000D
Canada Inc., a leading powder manufacturer, we are aiming to calculate the optimized atomizing gas flow andx000D
molten metal temperature in order to prevent the molten metal solidification during the atomization processx000D
and importantly predict the final particle size distribution. In this project, a Computational Fluid Dynamicsx000D
(CFD) simulation of multiphase flow and heat transfer will be performed. We are expecting that the results ofx000D
this study will allow Eutectic Canada Inc. to enhance its role in the fabrication of controllable and repeatablex000D
metallic powders used in advanced additive manufacturing process as well as various coating processes such asx000D
HVOF and HVAF. Moreover, end users from aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors will benefit from thex000D
project by enhancing their competitiveness and by contributing to the economy of Quebec and Canada.