Simulation and Experimental Testing of Additively Manufactured Strain Gauges

Additive manufacturing has seen a rapid increase as a method of fabricating both design phase prototypes and end-user products. The increase in development of the technology has driven the development of new products such as conductive 3D printer filaments that can be used to fabricate electrically functional elements. Additive manufacturing has yet to achieve the robustness and level of quality of traditional subtractive manufacturing methods; however, it is necessary to explore and integrate potential additive based sensor technology which can directly infuse with current additive manufacturing practices. Embedded sensors enable the fabrication of complex components with sensing abilities fully integrated into the parent structure. This eliminates the installation needs of traditional sensors and expands the potential applications of sensing technology into smart structures that have vast potential in multiple industries. Previous research has demonstrated that additive manufacturing can be utilized to produce robust sensors that have highly linear responses; however, additional work is needed to optimize sensor performance and eliminate hysteresis and repeatability errors. The work presented herein investigates the effects of different sensor geometries, as well as the response of sensors that are printed through multiple layer orientations. Additionally, computer simulations are employed to assess possible strain gauge designs and orientations. Results indicate that adding features such as end loops to embedded 3D printed sensors can reduce errors. Fabricating specimens at steep build orientations can change the resistance properties and cause uncoupling of conductive pathways in embedded sensors under strain.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering (UMKC)

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Missouri--Kansas City

Year dc:date.issued

2017

Author dc:creator

• Gooding, Jesse

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Fields, Travis

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10355/60587

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mospace.umsystem.edu:10355/60587