A central research focus of the group is the in-situ control of microstructure during additive manufacturing processes. High process temperatures and defined thermal cycles lead to local changes in material composition, such as selective evaporation of alloying elements or process-induced redistribution, which significantly influence microstructure and mechanical properties of the components.
The work follows a multiscale, multiphysics approach and covers powder bed processes using both electron beam and laser sources. Flexible scan and process strategies in modern systems allow targeted control of the local thermal history. Complementary numerical simulation tools consistently capture temperature fields, melt pool dynamics, alloy composition changes, and microstructure evolution, enabling predictive, simulation-based control of microstructure at the component level.
These approaches allow for targeted parameter selection, robust and reproducible process strategies, and a significant reduction of experimental development cycles. At the same time, they provide a foundation for functionally integrated material and component design, where thermal history, alloy chemistry, and microstructure are deliberately combined.