Author(s)

D. C. Stahl, M. Batdorff & V. Gervasi

Abstract

Describing optimized microstructures for solid freeform fabrication D. C. Stahl, M. Batdorff & V. Gewasi Milwaukee School of Engineering, USA. Abstract This paper describes progress toward a process for the design and fabrication of structural components with optimized composite microstructures. Here the term "microstructure" refers to the geometric arrangement of material within the component on a scale that is insignificant compared to the scale of the component. The ability to optimize a component's shape and microstructure creates tremendous potential for lightweight, high performance components and machines. Advances in solid freeform fabrication make production of components with complex microstructures feasible, and "hybrid fabrication" adds processing steps to create multiphase composites. One significant technical problem is that the geometric description of a finished design including its microstructure can be very cumbersome. The work described in this paper focuses on development o

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