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 |
Fused Filament Fabrication on the Moon |
Author(s) |
Jie Zhang, Brecht Van Hooreweder, Eleonora Ferraris |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Jie Zhang |
Abstract Scope |
Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques possess the capabilities to rapidly produce low-volume and highly-customised parts with minimal material waste. These attributes magnify their indispensability especially when traditional manufacturing techniques are limited or not available. It can be such a case for off-earth manufacturing, e.g. in manned lunar explorations, when both materials and manufacturing techniques will be limited. This paper presents a preliminary discussion on the possibility of performing fused filament fabrication (FFF) on the Moon from the perspective of heat transfer in the printed parts. It makes use of experimental data and simulations to quantify the significance of each heat transfer mechanisms taking place during printing. The quantification then enables us to investigate how the lunar environment affects the cooling in the printed parts. Finally, FFF on the Moon is predicted to be feasible. Yet, apparent differences are pointed out as compared with the counterpart printing activities on the Earth. |
Proceedings Inclusion? |
Definite: Post-meeting proceedings |