Descrizione del progetto
Uno sguardo più attento alla tecnologia FDM
La modellazione a deposizione fusa (FDM, Fused Deposition Modelling) è una diffusa tecnologia di stampa 3D basata sull’estrusione di filamenti termoplastici utilizzata inizialmente solo per la messa a punto di prototipi, ma recentemente anche per la produzione di componenti meccanici. La stampa 4D è invece una tecnologia innovativa utilizzata per la produzione intelligente di materiali e strutture attraverso la stampa 3D di materiali a memoria di forma. Tuttavia, la nostra comprensione circa il comportamento dei materiali FDM presenta ancora delle lacune da colmare. Il progetto FDM^2, finanziato dall’UE, suggerisce che i modelli esistenti non siano in grado di concepire il comportamento complesso dei materiali FDM; per questo motivo, il progetto intende fornire una comprensione netta della meccanica dei materiali FDM associata a strumenti di pianificazione, analisi e perfezionamento dei componenti strutturali FDM.
Obiettivo
Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is a common 3D printing technology based on the extrusion of thermoplastic filaments. While it was initially used only for prototyping, it is nowadays shifting towards manufacturing of mechanical components. 4D printing is a very novel technology to produce smart materials and structures through 3D printing of shape memory materials. Due to the specific process of FDM, the material obtains a characteristic mesostructure, which can be controlled through the print process. It is well known that mechanical properties like strength and toughness of the printed material significantly differ from those of the filament material and that they depend on the mesostructure. However, a real understanding of the material behaviour and the governing phenomena is still missing. The common modelling approach is to consider it as a composite laminate. In this proposal, I show that such models cannot capture the complex behaviour of FDM materials beyond the linear elastic regime. I argue that it can only be understood by considering nonlinear effects at the mesostructure, which needs to be interpreted as a 3D structure of bonded fibres rather than an anisotropic solid. Based on these observations, I will develop a new theoretical and computational framework, where representative volume elements of the mesostructure are modelled as an arrangement of beams with adhesive bonding and are linked to the macroscale through a multiscale approach. To make such computations feasible, it will be necessary to adopt modelling simplifications and a major challenge will be to find the right level of simplification that still can capture the relevant effects. It will also require fundamental development of novel high-order/low-cost numerical methods. The results of the successful project will be a clear understanding of the mechanics of FDM materials as well as tools for the design, analysis, and optimization of FDM structural components.
Campo scientifico
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
Argomento(i)
Meccanismo di finanziamento
ERC-COG - Consolidator GrantIstituzione ospitante
85579 Neubiberg
Germania