Rotational 3D printing of damage-tolerant composites with programmable mechanics

Abstract

Natural composites exhibit hierarchical and spatially varying structural features that give rise to high stiffness and strength as well as damage tolerance. Here, we report a rotational 3D printing method that enables exquisite control of fiber orientation within engineered composites. Our approach broadens their design, microstructural complexity, and performance space by enabling site-specific optimization of fiber arrangements within short carbon fiber–epoxy composites. Using this approach, we have created composites with programmable strain distribution and failure as well as enhanced damage tolerance.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jan 18, 2018
Source ID
10.1073/pnas.1715157115

Entities

People

  • Brett G. Compton
  • Jennifer A. Lewis
  • Jochen Mueller
  • Jordan R. Raney
  • Kristina Shea
  • Thomas J. Ober

Organizations

  • ETH Zurich
  • Harvard University
  • Office of Naval Research
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • University of Tennessee

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space