Review of AM Simulation Validation Techniques

Due to the complexity of Additive Manufacturing (AM), it can require many trial runs to obtain processing parameters which produce a quality build. Because of this trial and error process, the drive for simulations of AM has grown significantly. Simulations only become useful to researchers if it can be shown that they are true representations of the physical process being simulated. All simulations have different methods of validation to show that they are an accurate representations of the process. This paper explores the various methodologies for validation of laser based metal AM simulations, focusing mainly on the modeling of the thermal processes and other characteristics derived from thermal history. It will identify and explain the various validation techniques, specifically looking at the frequency of reported use of each technique.