Numerical and experimental investigation of parts manufactured by fused deposition modeling (FDM)

Although additive manufacturing (AM) techniques have risen in popularity and applications in recent years, there is still an enormous need for research in this field. The main goal of this project is to apply state-of-the-art experimental techniques, like digital image correlation (DIC) and infrared-thermography, combined with numerical investigations to gain a deeper insight into the manufacturing process. Also, fundamental studies on the influence of inherent characteristics of additive manufacturing processes for example during the computation of displacements and strains will be performed. The results can either be used for reducing distortions and deviations from the prescribed geometry and therefore optimizing the process parameters or improving simulations of the manufacturing process itself. The main scope of the investigations will involve the manufacturing of thermoplastic parts with fused deposition modeling (FDM).