Study on the free vibration analysis and mechanical behaviour of 3D printed composite I shaped beams made up of short carbon fiber reinforced ABS and PLA materials

Abstract

Rapid prototyping is a process that involves creating physical models of products or components quickly using 3D printing technology. Two of the most used materials for this purpose are Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). Both have unique properties that make them suitable for different applications. When it comes to constructing buildings, bridges, and other structures, one of the most important components is the beam. Beams are used to support weight and provide stability for a structure. One type of beam that is commonly used in construction projects is a box-shaped beam. Hence in this research work, I shaped beam is designed and fabricated using Fused Filament fabrication method, material used are carbon fiber reinforced PLA and ABS materials. Vibration tests can help determine whether a particular design has sufficient stiffness and damping characteristics for its intended application, which helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures down the line. I shaped beam is subjected to free vibration test using Impulse hammer test condition, natural frequency and damping of the I shaped beam for the considered composites were extracted. Results show that the ABS reinforced with carbon fiber is superior in damping than the PLA reinforced with the same short carbon fiber material. Flexural tests are conducted as per ASTM standards and results were correlated with respect to the stiffness of the material under transverse vibration. The results indicated that the I shaped ABS reinforced with carbon fiber had superior stiffness and damping characteristics than PLA reinforced with the same short carbon fiber material, making it a better choice for design applications which require strength and flexibility.