E-Thesis 232 views 116 downloads
Mechanical Impacts of Embedded Fibre Optics in 3D Printed Structures via Fused Deposition Modelling / NATHANIEL YEO
Swansea University Author: NATHANIEL YEO
Abstract
This project explores the mechanical effects of embedded optical fibres in additively manufactured structures using the fused deposition modelling method. The aim is to develop a new and broad understanding of the effects these fibres have on the tensile and flexural properties of 3D printed polylac...
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Swansea
2021
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Master of Research |
| Degree name: | MSc by Research |
| Supervisor: | Johnston, Richard ; Charles, Rhys |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa58761 |
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| Abstract: |
This project explores the mechanical effects of embedded optical fibres in additively manufactured structures using the fused deposition modelling method. The aim is to develop a new and broad understanding of the effects these fibres have on the tensile and flexural properties of 3D printed polylactic acid. The bonding strength between the fibre and matrix material is also investigated by way of a fibre pull-out test. Micro-CT X-ray scanning is also used to visualise the internal structures of printed specimens and how different printing parameters; specifically infill pattern and infill density, impact the quality of the embedded fibre. Infill patterns cubic, grid and triangles were examined as plain samples without fibre at low, medium, high, and maximum density. Triangle infill was chosen to be the underlying infill pattern for samples containing fibre. A concentric infill was also selected to see behaviours when infill raster lines are coaxial to an embedded optical fibre. Manual fibre laying was found to be the most suitable method for producing fibre samples. Fibre sample variables were devised to investigate how different print settings may alter the quality of fibre embedding and mechanical properties. These included: adding extra material around the fibre, rotating the fibre, and altering the direction of raster lines over a central fibre. The type of buffer coating the optical fibre was also altered for micro-CT imaging and fibre pull-out testing. It was found that, in most cases, a single embedded optical fibre improves tensile and flexural mechanical properties. |
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| Item Description: |
A selection of third party content is redacted or is partially redacted from this thesis due to copyright restrictions. |
| Keywords: |
3D Printing, Additive manufacturing, Fibre optics |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |