| Abstract Scope |
Fiber bundles in both natural and engineered systems demonstrate impressive mechanical properties. However, little has been done to abstract their underlying design principles for additive manufacturing. To address this gap, this research developed a parametric design platform capable of generating a variety of 3D fiber bundle models. This platform enables modeling of key structural parameters in fiber bundles, including the number and configuration of fiber strands, strand heights, the degree of strand twist, and fiber hierarchy. To assess the mechanical benefits of these designs, the designs were manufactured using Selective Laser Sintering and subjected to four different loading conditions: tension, compression, bending and torsion. Results indicate a significant increase in compliance with increasing twist angle for bundle structures even while preserving mass, showing promise for space-filling 3D bundles that enable ultra-compliance at high relative densities, which may have applicability in piezoelectric sensing, as well as in energy harvesting and absorption. |