PhD Student in Design and Qualification of Additive Manufacturing in Space Applications
E-mail: didunoluwa.obilanade@ltu.se
Phone:
Affiliation: Luleå University of Technology
Studying the Additive Manufacturing (AM) process Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), a process that uses a laser beam to melt metal powder to form parts in 3D. With the goal of creating design methods and guidelines.
Didun is from Caerleon, South Wales, having been born in Nigeria. He holds an MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering from Cranfield University, having read General Engineering at Grey College, Durham University. Didun was a recipient of the Royal Academy of Engineering and Royal Aeronautical Society MSc Bursary Award, and obtained a Joint UK Space Agency and ESA scholarship to attend the International Space University’s Space Studies Program; hosted by NASA Glenn Research Centre and Ohio University, in Athens Ohio.
Before conducting his PhD he worked as an Applications, Methods and Advanced Design Research Engineer at GKN Aerospace specialising in Additive Manufacturing for aerospace components. As part of his work with GKN Engine Systems on Space Engine Systems manufacturing, Didun worked on part of the Design for Additive Manufacturing process development for the ESA Prometheus engine.
Didun enjoys playing rugby, classical double bass and volunteering as a STEM ambassador ; going to schools and hosting events that teach young people about the many career opportunities through STEM subjects.
The LPBF technique has limitations. For example, the higher the build angle of a structure being printed in relation to the plate it is built on, the higher the superfluous effect of the laser beam with the metal powder. This results in partially melted powder to form on the part, causing a rougher surface and with that potential areas for cracks and stresses. To reduce such surface roughness, support structures can be used. Hence, post processing is needed to remove surface roughness and the added supports. However, building support structures require extra material, and additional post processing is time consuming.
This is where Didunoluwa Obilanade’s research project will be put to use. His aim is to look at how engineering design methods can help solve AM problems such as surface roughness, thus enhancing the performance and reducing time to market for aerospace components.
In his project he will interview engineers in the aerospace industry to get a better understanding of the requirements needed to develop an effective design method for 3D-printed aerospace components. Furthermore he will use the equipment at Luleå University of Technology to make and evaluate small test prototypes. The aim is to provide engineers with a validated framework for AM design. It is a continuation of research conducted by Christo Dordlofva, PhD at Luleå University of Technology. Christo Dordlofva will also be involved in the current project.
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