About this Abstract |
Meeting |
2021 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2021)
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Symposium
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Special Session
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Presentation Title |
Correlating Large-scale AM Print Parameters to Fiber Length and Mechanical Performance of Reinforced Polymer Composites |
Author(s) |
Andrew Rhodes, Roo Walker, Tyler Smith, John Lindahl, Vlastimil Kunc, Chad Duty |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Andrew Rhodes |
Abstract Scope |
This paper aims to correlate processing conditions to fiber length and mechanical properties in fiber-reinforced composites on the Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) system at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The processing of fiber-reinforced composites has a significant influence on their microstructure, which dictates the properties of the final part. The effect of processing is poorly documented in systems like the BAAM, leaving significant opportunities to improve the mechanical performance of printed structures. In this work, fiber length distributions from pelletized feedstock were compared against those of specimens extruded under different processing speeds. The mechanical strength of each specimen was evaluated to correlate processing speed to fiber length and mechanical properties. Experimental results showed that fiber length decreases with screw speed. There was no correlation between fiber length and mechanical performance. This research will guide future modifications to hardware design and print parameters to maintain fiber length and maximize mechanical performance. |
Proceedings Inclusion? |
Definite: Post-meeting proceedings |