PhD Track Co-Supervision Research

Multiaxial Characterization of the Mechanical Behavior of 3D Printed Composite Materials

Project Details

Abstract

Thermoplastic matrix composites produced by 3D printing are increasingly used in energy, transportation, and healthcare applications. These materials allow the fabrication of complex shapes and lightweight structures. However, their mechanical behavior is not yet fully understood, especially under complex loading conditions such as multiaxial stress, different temperatures, and varying strain rates. A better understanding of their response is necessary to ensure safe and optimized structural design. The objective of this PhD research is to experimentally characterize and numerically model the mechanical behavior of 3D-printed thermoplastic composites under complex loading conditions. Composite specimens will be manufactured at the Lebanese American University (LAU) using controlled 3D printing parameters. Mechanical testing will be carried out at LGCGM (INSA Rennes) and will include biaxial tensile tests, thermomechanical tests, and strain-rate dependent experiments. These tests will help identify the influence of temperature, loading direction, and deformation speed on the material response. Based on the experimental results, constitutive models will be developed to describe the thermo-mechanical and rate-dependent behavior of the material. A multi-scale numerical approach will be used to connect microstructural features, such as fiber orientation and interlayer bonding, to the overall mechanical performance. The final goal is to develop a reliable and accurate simulation tool that can be used for the design and optimization of 3D-printed composite parts. This work will contribute to improving the performance, reliability, and industrial use of additively manufactured thermoplastic composites.