Hierarchical design of multi-material components produced by 3D printing

Abstract

The fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a technology used for 3D printing. Modern printers work with more than one material which can be combined to print a multi-material component. New reinforced composite printing materials are evolving to render 3D prints of improved mechanical characteristics, broadening their engineering applicability. Inside this context, the objective of this project is to develop methodologies for design of multi-material components by hierarchical optimization, to be produced by 3D printing. Hierarchical optimization has as goal to optimize, for a given objective function, a structure in two distinct but interconnected levels. The first level is the macrostructure, where the layout of the structure is designed. The second level is the microstructure, where the material of the structure is designed. The results expected are optimal designs of composites to be produced by FDM. This project is expected to begin in February of 2018, having duration of one year. Its supervisor will be Prof. Ian A. Ashcroft, from the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing at the Nottingham University, United Kingdom. Dr. Ashcroft has more than 100 published papers, participates on a prominent research group in additive manufacturing and is the head of the project "Design Systems Development for Multifunctional Additive Manufacturing''. (AU)