Advanced Rapid Multi-material Processing System for Ultralight, Bio-inspired Intelligent Aerospace Structures and Materials
Abstract
Abstract (Publicly Releasable)The objective of this proposal is to apply for DURIP funding to purchase an advanced multi-material processing system consisting of two unique machines to develop new fabrication methods for ultralight, bio-inspired intelligent aerospace structures and materials. The system includes 1) a high-performance picosecond laser etching machine (LPKF ProtoLaser R4) and 2) a versatile continuous fiber-reinforced composite 3D printer (Anisoprint A3). The PI proposes the two machines as a system to obtain a combined capability of both subtractive and additive manufacturing by the laser etching machine and composite 3D printer, respectively. The LPKF ProtoLaser R4 will enable high-resolution ablation and highly controlled selective patterning with virtually no thermal effects for damage-free processing of a broad group of materials, ranging from soft polymers and flexible electronics to rigidmetal and sensitive ceramics. The Anisoprint A3 provides great freedom to additively print composite structures with intricate geometries and multiple types of continuous fibers and matrices that are not feasible for other composite manufacturing methods. Both machines can dramatically increase fabrication speed and reduce costs compared to other methods such as micro/nano-fabrication, mechanical machining, and structural assembly. Other advantages such as versatile, easy-to-learn, easy-to-use, and accessible can facilitate research-related education and workforce development. Collectively, the proposed two-machine system will not only enable new structural and material processing methods but also bring invaluable hands-on, high-quality research-related technical training to students. The proposed system will enhance the PI#s ONR Young Investigator Program (YIP) project (award number: N00014-22-1-2286, PO: William C. Nickerson) titled #Ultralight, Bio-inspired Skeletal-Neuro-Muscular Materials for Intelligent and Modular Morphable Wings#. It will also enable new research projects in the thrusts of multifunctional structures and advanced composites of the ONR Aerospace Structures and Materials (ASM) program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 24, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312748
Entities
People
- Xin Ning
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign