Graduate student Dustin Fandetti, Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, will defend his thesis titled “Torsional Performance of Additively Manufactured Polymer Matrix Reinforced Composites.”

• Date: Friday, April 18
• Time: 10:30 a.m.-noon
• Location: Aula Magna (IST-1000/1001C)

Abstract:

Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly referred to as 3D printing, has recently experienced a notable rise in popularity for the adoption of additively manufactured polymer matrix composites, for use in aerostructural applications. However, microstructural defects (i.e., unmelted filament, porosity, delamination, etc.) introduced through 3D printing processes, like fused filament fabrication, have hindered widespread adoption. This attention is driven by the need to develop components that are not only cost-efficient but also capable of enduring the multifaceted stress loading commonly experienced by aerostructures, which involve axial, bending, but most importantly, torsional loading. Onyx® (a polymer matrix composite comprised of nylon and chopped carbon fiber) and Onyx-fiber reinforced (Onyx® impregnated with continuous strands of fiber such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, and Kevlar), have emerged as promising polymer matrix composites for use in these applications. The novelty of this study lies in the comprehensive assessment of the monotonic torsional performance of as-built additively manufactured Onyx® and Onyx-fiber reinforced composites. Research findings include analysis of the role of continuous fiber reinforcement (i.e., carbon fiber, fiberglass, Kevlar) on torsional properties of 3D printed Onyx composites, and resulting torsional fracture mechanics response observed.

For more information, contact Dr. Sanna F. Siddiqui.