ORCID Identifier(s)

0000-0003-4285-3119

Graduation Semester and Year

2017

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

First Advisor

Robert M Taylor

Abstract

A design methodology for Continuous Carbon Fiber Additive Manufacturing (CCFAM) developed using Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) techniques takes advantage of both the mechanical strength of composite materials and the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) method. By performing topology optimization and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on a load-bearing part, engineers can design much lighter optimized parts that are just as strong as those produced using FFF. This weight reduction is achieved by relying on the mechanical strength of continuous carbon fibers printed alongside a traditional thermoplastic matrix. The FFF additive manufacturing method enables the production of complex shapes, which can match the load-driven, organic geometries derived from topology optimization and other advanced CAE techniques. The efficacy of this design methodology has been demonstrated in a design case study of a motor mount for a vertical take-off and landing drone.

Keywords

Continuous fiber additive, Manufacturing, Composite 3D printing, Topology optimization, FEM, FEA, Additive manufacturing

Disciplines

Aerospace Engineering | Engineering | Mechanical Engineering

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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