About
Qian Zhao
Postgraduate Researcher
UCD
Qian Zhao is a PhD researcher at I-Form, based at University College Dublin (UCD), specialising in microstructural modelling. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Energy and Power Engineering from Shandong University in 2021 and 2024, respectively. Her primary research interests lie in the prediction and modelling of grain microstructure evolution and material properties in the context of multi-track and multi-layer laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing processes.
Technical Summary
Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) is a critical process in metal additive manufacturing (AM), involving the precise melting and solidification of metal powders. The resulting microstructure, porosity, and material properties significantly influence the mechanical performance and overall quality of the manufactured components.
Qian Zhao’s research focuses on developing a predictive model for the solidification behaviour of multi-track and multi-layer configurations in PBF. By modelling the evolution of microstructure, material properties, and porosity, the project aims to provide a deeper understanding of how processing conditions—such as cooling rates and thermal gradients—affect the final material characteristics. The ultimate objective is to optimise the PBF process by enabling precise control over microstructure formation and reducing defects such as porosity. This work contributes to the advancement of high-performance, reliable, and efficient metal components in additive manufacturing.