Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

2018

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Todd Letcher

Keywords

additive manufacturing, biomimetics, carbon reinforcement, lattice structure, light weight composite structures, truncated octahedron

Abstract

Weight and stiffness are key factors in the advancement of materials and parts for use in numerous industries. Lightweight cellular structures are broadly utilized for this reason. However, these structures must satisfy several key constraints: they should be light yet structurally safe, sustainable in different loading conditions, resource efficient and easy to maintain. Bio-inspired materials/structures which results in desirable material features are a significant inspiration for engineered cellular structures. Cellular structures can be designed to have multifunctional properties along with lightweight characteristics. Currently, these structures with high strength to weight ratio are widely applied in many fields such as automotive, construction, and medical, among others. In this research, the design and prototyping of cellular structures for high strength to weight ratio and stiffness to weight ratio reinforced by discontinuous fibers was studied. A computer modeled Truncated Octahedron structure is presented. With help of finite element analysis (FEA), compression testing was simulated on the cellular structure to estimate stiffness. 3D printing technique was used for prototyping the design, and experimental tests were carried out for validating the design methodology and simulations.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Biomimetics.
Composite materials.
Three-dimensional printing.

Description

Includes bibliographical references (pages 58-64)

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

82

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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Rights Statement

In Copyright