Reliability-Based Evaluation of the Suitability of Polymers for Additive Manufacturing Intended for Extreme Operating Conditions.

Alvaro Rodríguez-Prieto,Ernesto Primera,Manuel Callejas,Ana M Camacho

doi:10.3390/polym12102327

Alvaro Rodríguez-Prieto, Ernesto Primera + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12102327

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Abstract

A reliability engineering program must be implemented from the conceptual phase of the physical asset to define the performance requirements of the components and equipment. Thus, in this work, the aim is to find the most optimal solution to manufacture polymer-based parts for the nuclear power industry using additive manufacturing routes. This case study application has been selected because polymers processed by additive manufacturing (AM) can be well suited for nuclear applications. The methodology includes—firstly—an analysis of the suitability of materials based on high-temperature resistance, thermal aging and irradiation tolerance, considering operation conditions. Secondly, an analysis of materials’ processability considering their associated AM routes is performed based on thermal analysis and evaluation of physical properties of materials. A final assessment integrating the in-service suitability and AM processability is performed using a reliability approach, solving different emerging objective conflicts through defined constraints and selection criteria. According to the integrated in-service performance evaluation: Polypropylene-ethylene polyallomer (PPP), Epoxy (EP), Phenolics (Ph), Polyurethane (PU) and Acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) are the best options for mild operation conditions and EP, Ph and PU, considering high temperature along with radiation exposure. Considering AM techniques: EP and Ph can be manufactured using VAT photopolymerization-stereolithography (VP-SLA) with a good expected processability being these materials valid for high temperature environments. Consequently, this research work analyzes the viability, processability and in-service behavior of parts.

Highlights

The contemporary engineering design process takes into account the full life cycle of the component being designed
Since it is essential toapproach predict reliability of end-products because obtained this is one of evaluation using a reliability-based is carried out using the calculations in stages theirAmajor limitations and B
This paper provides a methodology that support designers to make a decision about to manufacture polymer-based parts for nuclear power industry using additive manufacturing routes

Summary

Introduction

The contemporary engineering design process takes into account the full life cycle of the component being designed. This includes its functions, manufacturability and economic and environmental factors in the product’s life cycle analysis [1]. Engineering design should be based on the requirements on safety, and on environmental aspects of product manufacture, use and disposal [2,3]. Within manufacturing industries there has been an increasing interest in research techniques that allow the performance of processes with high efficiency under sustainable environments [4]. In order to ensure sustainable production, the entire process chain must be taken into consideration [6]

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