Environmental and buckling performance analysis of 3D printed composite isogrid structures

Abstract

Additive manufacturing of composite materials is gaining important market shares, especially in the aerospace field, since it leads to a reduction of the environmental impacts while ensuring high product performances. Structures of particular interest are isogrids due to their high compression strength-to-weight ratio. In this research, isogrids and solid panels were 3D printed using carbon fiber reinforced polyamide. All the parts presented the same width, height and specific resistances but they differ in thickness, ribs dimensions and drying process after printing. A comparison between their environmental impacts and buckling loads have been conducted. The objective was to determine the configuration which leads to the best compromise between sustainability and mechanical performances.