The goal of this project was to better understand the residual stresses imparted upon 3D printed polymer parts and then to be able to predict irreversible thermal strain from annealing. Residual stresses in 3D printed pieces are, in part, controlled by raster angle and layer thickness, the two print parameters examined in this project. Using first principles, we fit equations of plane and shear stress to our experimental data and derived equations representing the magnitude and direction of irreversible thermal strain. These equations were used to create an algorithm that takes desired final dimensions and outputs the necessary print parameters. This project added a new dimension to the additive manufacturing field by allowing for the creation of 3D printed one-way shape memory polymers.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Barrett, Connor Eli
• Presing, Joseph Karl

Contributors

• D’Amico, Anthony

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042617-172809

Advisor

• Peterson, Amy M.

Year

• 2017

Date created

• 2017-04-26

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2023-08-10