2 research outputs found
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3D Printing of Shape Changing Polymer Structures: Design and Characterization of Materials
Additive manufacturing (AM) gives engineers unprecedented design and material
freedom, providing the ability to 3D print polymer structures that can change shape.
Many of these Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) structures require multi-material
composites, and different programmed shapes can be achieved by designing and
engineering these composites to fold and unfold at different rates. To enable SMP
applications involving shape-changing geometries, it is important to have an
understanding of the relationships between intermediate shapes and the initial and final
designed shapes. To accomplish this, we investigated readily available 3D printable
polymer materials and their thermo-mechanical characteristics to create multi-member
structures. This paper demonstrates a way to generate different temporary geometric
profiles on a single 3D printed shape with the same material. This paper also includes
insights from thermo-mechanical analysis of the materials to help create multi-member
shape-changing geometries using 3D printing.Mechanical Engineerin
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Saving Weight with Metallic Lattice Structures: Design Challenges with a Real-World Example
Lattice structures are structurally efficient yet complex designs that enable high
stiffness and reduce weight. While lattice structures are traditionally difficult to
manufacture in metal with conventional fabrication processes, AM is a viable solution to
manufacture such complex geometries to achieve lightweight designs. However, there is
relatively little information available in the literature about designing large-scale lattice
structures, particularly concerning computer-aided design tools, structural analysis, and
post-processing for functional metallic components. In this study, we investigate and
discuss these aspects in the context of a real-world problem for an oil and gas application.
The lattice structure is designed and fabricated with IN 718 powder using an EOS M280
laser-based powder bed fusion system. A weight reduction of 42.4% is achieved while
obtaining the desired mechanical performance. Results and challenges, particularly with
the design workflow, are discussed along with future research directions.Mechanical Engineerin