Investigating the effect of design on the shape morphing capabilities of 3D printed materials

• Main Author: Simon, Necesario Jommell
• Other Authors: Lai Changquan
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/167693
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

"4D printing" refers to a process or product that can transform from a one-dimensional strand to a three-dimensional structure that has been pre-programed, from a two-dimensional surface to a three-dimensional shape that has been pre-programmed and is capable of morphing between further dimensions. This can be done with a single material or many materials. These modifications are made possible electrochemically by applying different stimuli, such as light, heating, or inflammation in a liquid, and by programming shifting sensitivity to, for example, swelling into specific parts of the desired form. These techniques offer innovative ways to give flexibility and dynamic reactivity for structures and systems of all dimensions while taking non-electronic-based materials into consideration and including programmability. Potential applications include robotic-like behavior without the need for intricate electro-mechanical-chemical components, as well as adaptable goods, clothing, or systems that react to human requests and changing environmental conditions. This Final Year Project will use Flexible80A to study and experiment on different structures and test the possibility of propelling motion. Groove Structure with varying thickness, gaps and number of grooves were employed. Structure will be tested and soak on acetone as the main external stimuli to cause the structure to deform. Finally, results will be used to further enhanced future studies on designing possible structures for 4D printing.