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4D printed shape memory polymer composite structures for deployable small spacecrafts

  • University of Southern Queensland

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Four dimensional (4D) printing is the convergence of three dimensional (3D) printing, which is an emerging additive manufacturing technology for smart materials. 4D printing is referred to the capability of changing the shape, property, or functionality of a 3D printed structure under a particular external stimulus. This paper presents the structural performance, shape memory behavior and photothermal effect of 4D printed pristine shape memory polymer (SMP) and it's composite (SMPC) with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Both materials have demonstrated the ability to retain a temporary shape and then recover their original. It is revealed that the incorporation of MWCNTs into the SMP matrix has enhanced the light stimulus shape recovery capabilities. Light stimulus shape transformation of 4D printed SMPC is advantageous for space engineering applications as light can be focused onto a particular area at a long distance. Subsequently, a model 4D printed deployable boom, which is applicable for small spacecrafts is presented. The shape fixity and recovery behaviors of the proposed boom have been investigated. Notably, the model boom structure has demonstrated ~86 % shape recovery ratio. The proposed innovative approach of additive manufacturing based deployable composite structures will shape up the future space technologies.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationASME 2019 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems, SMASIS 2019
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ISBN (Electronic)9780791859131
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019
EventASME 2019 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems, SMASIS 2019 - Louisville, United States
Duration: 9 Sep 201911 Sep 2019

Publication series

NameASME 2019 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems, SMASIS 2019

Conference

ConferenceASME 2019 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems, SMASIS 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLouisville
Period9/09/1911/09/19

Keywords

  • 4D Printing
  • Deployable Space Structures
  • Photothermal Effect
  • Shape Memory Polymer Composites
  • Structural Performance

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