Additive manufacturing methods has been prevailing for several decades and the recent technological advancements brings in the flexibility and consideration for large-scale production in the industries. The components manufactured with these methods have wide variety of applications and therefore, it is crucial to investigate the mechanical performance of the printed parts. There have been many researches done to investigate the mechanical behaviour of polymer material but the studies are limited when it comes to the fatigue performance of the polymer parts printed using multi-jet fusion technology. The aim of the master thesis is to investigate the fatigue behaviour of polyamide12 (PA12) material with the components manufactured using HP’s multi-jet fusion 3D printing machine. Fatigue life is influenced by several factors such as the loading condition, the topology of the specimen, material properties, print quality and the environmental conditions. It is therefore essential to consider all these factors when developing the experiments for fatigue life prediction. The master thesis work can be divided into three sections. The first section focuses on evaluating the mechanical properties of polyamide12. This includes the quasi-static test for determining the tensile properties of specimens with the geometrical influence, the difference in properties in relation to the print directions, the influence of humidity and porosity over the mechanical performance of the material and finally the effect of internal heat generation and the surrounding temperature. The results show that the temperature and the quality of the specimens are the two major factors affecting the mechanical and fatigue performance of PA12. That being said, the next section focuses on setting up the fatigue experiments based on the data obtained from the static tests. When carrying out the experiment, both the test frequency and the surrounding temperature were foundto have a greater impact over the fatigue results. High test frequency showed a dramatic increase in the temperature of the specimen which caused an early failure. Hence, the experiments were developed in such a way that the influence of the thermal fatigue can be ignored by controlling the temperature of the specimen through a compressed air cooling system. The final section presents the findings, the conclusions about the material behaviour and the development of a finite element model to predict the fatigue life of a topology optimised demonstrator part using the data gathered from the experiments. / Additiva tillverkningsmetoder har använts i flera decennier och de senaste tekniska framstegen möjliggör flexibilitet och storskaliga produktionsprocesser. Komponenter tillverkade med dessa metoder har många olika tillämpningar inom industrin och därför är det avgörande att undersöka de tillverkade materialens mekaniska prestanda. Det har gjorts många undersökningar av det mekaniska beteendet hosmaterial som metaller och polymerer, men studierna är begränsade när det gäller utmattnings prestandan hos detaljer som tillverkats med multi-jet fusionsteknik.  Syftet med examensarbetet är att undersöka utmattnings beteendet hos polyamid-12 (PA12) tillverkat med hjälp av HP multi-jet fusion 3D-utskriftsteknik. Utmattnings livslängden påverkas av flera parametrar såsom belastnings tillståndet, provets topologi, materialegenskaper, utskrifts kvalitet och miljöförhållanden. Det är därför viktigt att ta hänsyn till alla dessa faktorer när man utvecklar experimenten för utmattnings karakterisering. Examensarbetet kan delas in i tre avsnitt. Det första avsnittet fokuserar på att utvärdera de mekaniska egenskaperna hos PA12. Detta inkluderar kvasi statisk provning för att bestämma drag egenskaperna hos prover med olika geometrier, skillnaden i egenskaper i förhållande till utskrifts riktningarna, inverkan av fukt och porositet på materialets mekaniska prestanda och slutligen effekten av yttre temperatur. Resultaten visar att temperaturen och kvaliteten på proverna är de faktorer som har störst inverkan på den mekaniska prestandan hos PA12. Med detta som utgångspunkt fokuserar nästa avsnitt på att sätta upp utmattnings experimenten baserat på data som erhållits från de statiska testerna. Under utformningen av experimenten visade sig test frekvensen och den omgivande temperaturen ha en stor inverkan på utmattnings resultaten. Hög test frekvens bidrog till en dramatisk ökning av temperaturen hos provet vilket resulterade i tidigt brott. Experimenten utformades därför på ett sätt så att termisk inverkan kan undvikas, genom att kontrollera provets yttre temperatur med ett trycklufts kylsystem. Det sista avsnittet presenterar resultaten, slutsatser om materialets beteende och utvecklingen av en finita element modell för att förutsäga utmattnings livslängden för en topologioptimerad demonstratören med hjälp av data som samlats in från experimenten.

Le frittage sélectif par laser (ou Selective Laser Sintering, SLS) des poudres polymères thermoplastiques est maintenant une technique répandue de fabrication additive. Néanmoins, ce procédé n'est industriellement mature que pour une seule famille de polymères, les polyamides. Pour que ce procédé soit employé dans la fabrication de pièces subissant des contraintes thermiques au-delà de 50 °C, il est ainsi nécessaire d'étendre la gamme des matériaux utilisables à des polymères hautes performances tels que les poly(aryl-éther-cétone) ou les poly(aryl-imide). Cette étude décrit la fabrication additive, couche par couche, de pièces aérospatiales complexes en polymères hautes performances. Pour cela, sept poudres en polymère ont été sélectionnées afin d'étudier l'influence de celles-ci sur les différentes phases du procédé et sur la qualité de la matière frittée/fondue. Ainsi, la morphologie de leurs particules, leurs microstructures ou encore leurs densités versées et tapées sont analysées, de même que leurs stabilités thermiques, leurs capacités à absorber l'eau ou à s'écouler. Dans un second temps, une étude paramétrique du procédé a été réalisée dans le but d'aboutir à la fabrication de pièces de bonne qualité matière, tout en portant un intérêt vis-à-vis des évolutions de la poudre cycle après cycle de fabrication. De plus, il est important, dans un souci d'optimisation, d'utiliser toutes les possibilités de forme qu'offre cette fabrication additive et d'en évaluer la résistance mécanique. C'est pourquoi une loi de comportement mécanique d'un polyamide 12 consolidé sélectivement par laser a été déterminée et implémentée dans un code de calcul par éléments finis (ZéBuLoN®). Cette loi de comportement, dans le domaine linéaire et non linéaire, représentative de l'anisotropie du matériau, a ensuite été validée expérimentalement sur des éprouvettes d'essais mécaniques et sur un démonstrateur aérospatial. / Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) of thermoplastic polymer powders is now widely used as a additive manufacturing technique. Nevertheless, this process is industrially mature for only one family of polymers : the polyamides. To use this process in manufacturing applications that are used above 50 °C, it is necessary to increase the range of useable powders to high temperature resistant families of thermoplastic such as poly(aryl-ether-ketone) or poly(aryl-imide). This study investigates the layer-by-layer additive manufacturing of complex parts by SLS from high temperature resistant thermoplastic powders. Seven polymers powders were selected to study their influences on the process steps and the quality of sintered/melted materials. To do so, morphology of theirs particles, microstructures or tapped and poured density are analysed, and also theirs thermal stabilities, capacities to absorb water or theirs flow abilities. In a second step, a study of the influence of process parameters has been carried out to obtain parts with good material quality, taking into account the evolution of the powder after each cycle of fabrication. Moreover, it is important to use all the possibilities of this process in terms of geometry. That is why a law for the mechanical behaviour of laser sintered polyamide 12 has been determined and implemented in a finite element code (ZeBuLoN®). This law, in its linear and non-linear domain, is representative of the material anisotropy and has been experimentally validated on tensile samples and one aerospace part.

No presente trabalho foi desenvolvido um suporte catalítico monolítico para fins aeroespaciais empregando a manufatura aditiva. Para tanto, foi proposta uma geometria que proporcione um escoamento turbulento, permitindo um maior contato entre o reagente e a superfície do catalisador, proporcionando menor perda de carga ao sistema. Esta nova estrutura foi obtida via manufatura aditiva, através da técnica de Sinterização Seletiva a Laser (SLS) indireta. Para utilizar a técnica SLS e material cerâmico, foi necessário desenvolver um revestimento sobre as partículas de alumina para promover a aderência entre as mesmas durante o processo de manufatura aditiva. Em seguida foram definidos, experimentalmente, os parâmetros de aplicação da técnica SLS para o compósito alumina/poliamida. Por fim, foi fabricado, via SLS, o suporte catalítico na forma monolítica. Após a confecção do suporte monolítico, foi desenvolvido um revestimento composto de pseudo-boemita e nitrato de alumínio e aplicado na superfície do monólito, a fim de expandir a área superficial específica do material. Este aumento da área específica favorece a dispersão da fase ativa, composta de óxidos de cobalto e manganês, na superfície do suporte. A caracterização do catalisador monolítico foi realizada a partir das técnicas de Adsorção de Nitrogênio, Análise Termogravimétrica, Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura e Espectrometria de Emissão Ótica com Fonte de Plasma (ICP-OES). O desempenho do catalisador monolítico na decomposição do H2O2 concentrado foi analisado via teste de gota, monitorado por câmera de alta velocidade. Os bons resultados obtidos nesta reação apontam esta técnica de obtenção de suporte catalítico monolítico através da manufatura aditiva como uma metodologia promissora a ser empregada em sistemas catalíticos com elevada difusão de massa e calor, mas principalmente em sistemas propulsivos a monopropelente. / This work was developed by the additive manufacture monolithic catalytic support to apply aerospace applications. A geometry was proposed to implement a turbulent flow allowing a better contact with catalytic surface and reagent with a low pressure drop in the system. This new structure was obtained by additive manufacture through indirect Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technique. Firstly, in order to use the SLS for the ceramic material was developed a coating on the alumina particles to promote a melting between them during addictive manufacturing process. Secondly, the printer parameters SLS was configurated into the alumina/polyamide particle. Finally, the monolithic catalytic support was built via SLS. After the monolithic support building, the pseudo-boehmite and aluminum nitrate coating was developed and applied on the monolithic surface to increase the specific superficial area of the material. This increasing of the specific surface area helps the spread of the active phase to made up of cobalt and manganese oxide in the support surface. The characterization of the monolithic catalyst was carried out using the nitrogen adsorption technique, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and inductive coupled plasma with optical emission spectrometry. The monolithic catalytic performance in the H2O2 concentrated decomposition was analyzed via drop test monitored by the high-speed camera. The good results of this reaction and such a technique of monolithic catalytic support obtainment through the additive manufacture show that a promising methodology can be used in the catalytic system with high diffusion of mass and heat but mainly, in monopropellant propulsive system.

No presente trabalho foi desenvolvido um suporte catalítico monolítico para fins aeroespaciais empregando a manufatura aditiva. Para tanto, foi proposta uma geometria que proporcione um escoamento turbulento, permitindo um maior contato entre o reagente e a superfície do catalisador, proporcionando menor perda de carga ao sistema. Esta nova estrutura foi obtida via manufatura aditiva, através da técnica de Sinterização Seletiva a Laser (SLS) indireta. Para utilizar a técnica SLS e material cerâmico, foi necessário desenvolver um revestimento sobre as partículas de alumina para promover a aderência entre as mesmas durante o processo de manufatura aditiva. Em seguida foram definidos, experimentalmente, os parâmetros de aplicação da técnica SLS para o compósito alumina/poliamida. Por fim, foi fabricado, via SLS, o suporte catalítico na forma monolítica. Após a confecção do suporte monolítico, foi desenvolvido um revestimento composto de pseudo-boemita e nitrato de alumínio e aplicado na superfície do monólito, a fim de expandir a área superficial específica do material. Este aumento da área específica favorece a dispersão da fase ativa, composta de óxidos de cobalto e manganês, na superfície do suporte. A caracterização do catalisador monolítico foi realizada a partir das técnicas de Adsorção de Nitrogênio, Análise Termogravimétrica, Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura e Espectrometria de Emissão Ótica com Fonte de Plasma (ICP-OES). O desempenho do catalisador monolítico na decomposição do H2O2 concentrado foi analisado via teste de gota, monitorado por câmera de alta velocidade. Os bons resultados obtidos nesta reação apontam esta técnica de obtenção de suporte catalítico monolítico através da manufatura aditiva como uma metodologia promissora a ser empregada em sistemas catalíticos com elevada difusão de massa e calor, mas principalmente em sistemas propulsivos a monopropelente. / This work was developed by the additive manufacture monolithic catalytic support to apply aerospace applications. A geometry was proposed to implement a turbulent flow allowing a better contact with catalytic surface and reagent with a low pressure drop in the system. This new structure was obtained by additive manufacture through indirect Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technique. Firstly, in order to use the SLS for the ceramic material was developed a coating on the alumina particles to promote a melting between them during addictive manufacturing process. Secondly, the printer parameters SLS was configurated into the alumina/polyamide particle. Finally, the monolithic catalytic support was built via SLS. After the monolithic support building, the pseudo-boehmite and aluminum nitrate coating was developed and applied on the monolithic surface to increase the specific superficial area of the material. This increasing of the specific surface area helps the spread of the active phase to made up of cobalt and manganese oxide in the support surface. The characterization of the monolithic catalyst was carried out using the nitrogen adsorption technique, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and inductive coupled plasma with optical emission spectrometry. The monolithic catalytic performance in the H2O2 concentrated decomposition was analyzed via drop test monitored by the high-speed camera. The good results of this reaction and such a technique of monolithic catalytic support obtainment through the additive manufacture show that a promising methodology can be used in the catalytic system with high diffusion of mass and heat but mainly, in monopropellant propulsive system.

Les thermoplastiques contenant du PDMS ont attiré beaucoup d’attention à cause de leur potentiel dans un large spectre d’applications. Lors du mélange du PDMS avec des thermoplastiques, le problème de la compatibilité ne peut être ignoré. Cette dernière engendre de faibles propriétés mécaniques ainsi qu’une surface rugueuse. Par conséquent, le défi principal des mélanges PDMS/thermoplastique est de trouver un moyen efficace et adapté, comme le mélange réactif in situ, pour compatibiliser les différentes phases. Récemment, nous avons trouvé une réaction intéressante entre l’hydrosilane (SiH) et les groupes carbonyles catalysés par le triruthénium dodecacarbonyle [Ru3(CO)12]. Il a le potentiel pour réaliser cette compatibilisation réactive. Dans un premier temps, nous avons étudié le mécanisme de la réaction d’hydrosilylation catalysée par le ruthénium dans le cas du N-méthylpropionamide. Les composés N-silicatés formés qui peuvent jouer par la suite le rôle de compatibilisant lors du mélange réactif. Dans un deuxième temps, cette réaction d’hydrosilylation a été étendue au mélange réactif de PA12 avec du PDMS terminé hydride en conditions de mélange fondu. La réaction a été réalisée rapidement (en 1 minute) en présence de Ru3 (CO) 12 (1wt%). Ensuite, nous avons étudié la microstructure des deux mélanges. En comparaison avec le mélange non réactif, la dispersion du PDMS dans celui réactif était clairement améliorée puisque la taille des domaines. En outre, dans de telles conditions réactives et en présence du catalyste de ruthénium, une réaction d’oxydation du PDMS-SiH est partiellement observée. Ceci inclue par exemple les propriétés de stabilité thermique, de comportement cristallin, d’énergie de surface et de perméabilité et séparation des gaz. Dans un troisième temps, nous nous sommes intéressés à l’application de la réaction d’hydrosilylation catalysée par le ruthénium aux composites PBT/polyméthylhydrosiloxane (PMHS). Cependant, à cause des températures élevées nécessaires à la mise en forme du PBT (220°C), une réaction de réticulation entre le PBT et le PMHS apparait mais également et une auto-réticulation du PMHS. Enfin, ces résultats montrent une application potentielle et initial de ruthénium hydrosilylation catalysées à compatibilisation réactive entre l'hydropolysiloxane et un polyamide ou un polyester / Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) containing thermoplastics have attracted much attention due to their potential in wide range of applications. However, when blending PDMS with thermoplastics, the incompatible problem cannot be ignored. It may results in weak mechanical properties and a rough surface. Therefore, the main challenge of PDMS and thermoplastic blend is to find an efficient and convenient way like in situ reactive blending to realize the compatibilization between tthem. Recently, we found an interesting reaction between hydrosilane (SiH) and carbonyl group catalyzed by triruthenium dodecacarbonyl [Ru3(CO)12]. It has potential to realize such reactive compatibilization. Firstly, we investigated the mechanism of ruthenium catalyzed hydrosilylation reaction of N-methylpropionamide, and found that the formed N-silylated compounds which can work as compatibilizers in later reactive blending. Then this hydrosilylation reaction was extended to the reactive blending of PA12 with hydride terminated PDMS under molten processing conditions. The reaction was carried out quickly (in 1 minute) in the presence of Ru3(CO)12 (1wt%). Compared to the unreacted one, the dispersion of PDMS after reaction was obviously improved. Besides, in such reactive conditions, PDMS-SiH oxidation reaction was partially observed. This phenomenon leads to a second PDMS gel based phase. Properties like thermal stability, crystalline behavior, surface energy and gas permeability and separation of such blends were also studied. Secondly, ruthenium catalyzed hydrosilylation was also applied to PBT and polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) which was processed at higher temperature (220°C). The final material includes the crosslinking network formed between PBT and PMHS and a part of PMHS self-crosslinking forming PMHS gel-like phase due to the higher processing temperature of PBT and high reactivity of PMHS. Finally, these results show a potential and initial application of ruthenium catalyzed hydrosilylation to reactive compatibilization between hydride polysiloxane and polyamide or polyester

För att verifiera att komponenter håller under en förväntad livslängd kan en Accelererad Livstids Testning (ALT) användas. En av huvudaspekterna som kan förstöra ett ALT-test av plastkomponenter är om kontakttemperaturen överstiger glasövergångstemperaturen. Detta eftersom det förändrar testkomponentens materialegenskaper. För att förhindra att detta inträffar i en ALT byggdes en testrigg medtemperatursensorer för att övervaka kontakttemperaturen. Om kontaktpunkten modifieras med en temperatursensor förändrar det uppbyggnaden av ytan och gör testet ogiltigt. Metoden som används är istället att mäta temperaturen på ytan på testdelen och simulera kontakttemperaturen med en modell baserad på den Finita Elementmetoden. Denna avhandling jämför de två teknikerna Tunn Film RTD och Tunn Termoelement Tråd Typ T i samband med uppbyggnaden av en värmeöverföring FEM-modell. Det undersöktes också vilken teknologi av IR-enpunkts sensor och Tunn Film RTD som har högst prestanda med avseende på fyra kvalitetsparametrar under användning tillsammans med testriggen. Slutsatserna är att Tunn Film RTD och Tunn Termoelement Tråd av Typ T sensorerna båda ger en liknande precision i mätningar för att bygga en användbar FEM-modell. När de används på testriggen presterar Film RTD:n är bättre än IR-sensorn i tre av fyra områden med avseende på de fyra definierade kvalitetsparametrarna. Tunn Film RTD är den rekommenderade teknologin för denna typ av mätning. / To verify that components last for an expected lifetime an Accelerated Life Testing (ALT) can be used. One of the main aspects that can ruin an ALT of plastic components is if the contact temperature rises above the glass transition temperature, since this changes the material properties of the tested component. To prevent this from occurring in a ALT, a test rig was built with temperature sensors to monitor this contact temperature. If the contact point is modified with a temperature sensor, this will change the surface and make the test invalid. The method is instead to couple surface temperature measurements with a Finite Element Model (FEM) to estimate the contact temperature. This thesis compares the two techniques Thin Film RTD and Thin Thermocouple Wire Type T in conjunction with the building of a heat transfer Finite Element Method (FEM)-model. It also investigates which technology of Non Contact IR Single Point sensor or Thin Film RTD have the highest performance in use with the test rig with regard to four quality parameters. The conclusions are that RTD and the Thermocouple Type T sensors both provide equal precision in measurement to build a useful FEM model. In application on the test rig, the Thin Film RTD is better than the Infrared (IR)-sensor in three out of four areas when compared in the four defined quality parameters. Thin Film RTD is the recommended technology in this application.

Le frittage sélectif par laser (ou Selective Laser Sintering, SLS) des poudres polymères thermoplastiques est maintenant une technique répandue de fabrication additive. Néanmoins, ce procédé n'est industriellement mature que pour une seule famille de polymères, les polyamides. Pour que ce procédé soit employé dans la fabrication de pièces subissant des contraintes thermiques au-delà de 50 °C, il est ainsi nécessaire d'étendre la gamme des matériaux utilisables à des polymères hautes performances tels que les poly(aryl-éther-cétone) ou les poly(aryl-imide). Cette étude décrit la fabrication additive, couche par couche, de pièces aérospatiales complexes en polymères hautes performances. Pour cela, sept poudres en polymère ont été sélectionnées afin d'étudier l'influence de celles-ci sur les différentes phases du procédé et sur la qualité de la matière frittée/fondue. Ainsi, la morphologie de leurs particules, leurs microstructures ou encore leurs densités versées et tapées sont analysées, de même que leurs stabilités thermiques, leurs capacités à absorber l'eau ou à s'écouler. Dans un second temps, une étude paramétrique du procédé a été réalisée dans le but d'aboutir à la fabrication de pièces de bonne qualité matière, tout en portant un intérêt vis-à-vis des évolutions de la poudre cycle après cycle de fabrication. De plus, il est important, dans un souci d'optimisation, d'utiliser toutes les possibilités de forme qu'offre cette fabrication additive et d'en évaluer la résistance mécanique. C'est pourquoi une loi de comportement mécanique d'un polyamide 12 consolidé sélectivement par laser a été déterminée et implémentée dans un code de calcul par éléments finis (ZéBuLoN®). Cette loi de comportement, dans le domaine linéaire et non linéaire, représentative de l'anisotropie du matériau, a ensuite été validée expérimentalement sur des éprouvettes d'essais mécaniques et sur un démonstrateur aérospatial.

Orientadores: Rubens Maciel Filho, Marcelo de Carvalho Reis / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade Engenharia Quimica / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-12T05:44:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Oriqui_LucianaRodrigues_M.pdf: 1248522 bytes, checksum: 5cb4d17ea1196bf1293a0e83f323995b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008 / Resumo: A metodologia Desdobramento da Função Qualidade, QFD é uma importante ferramenta na gestão de desenvolvimento de novos produtos. Seu maior mérito é o de disseminar, sistematicamente, os desejos e necessidades dos clientes para dentro das empresas e laboratórios de pesquisa e desenvolvimento, reduzindo o tempo de projetos e re-projetos de produtos, com conseqüente redução de custos e aumento da qualidade do produto final. Como os laboratórios de pesquisa universitários atendem diversas empresas, que os procuram para o desenvolvimento de novos produtos e tecnologias, entender exatamente o que o cliente espera de seus serviços, é essencial para o planejamento do trabalho e otimização de tempo e recursos. Esta dissertação trata da aplicação da metodologia QFD em um laboratório de pesquisas, como ferramenta de suporte no desenvolvimento de uma resina termoplástica, nylon 12, para processos de prototipagem rápida. Os objetivos gerais são adequar o desenvolvimento da poliamida 12 à qualidade exigida pelo cliente do laboratório, explicitar conhecimentos e antecipar-se às possíveis dificuldades técnicas para obtenção do produto final com as características previamente estabelecidas / Abstract: The Quality Function Deployment methodology, QFD, is an important tool for the developing management of new products. Its largest merit is to disseminate, in a systematic way, the customers' desire and needs in the companies and also to research / development laboratories. This procedure will reduce the time of products' projects and re-projects, with consequent reduction of costs and increase of final product quality. As the research laboratories in the universities support several organizations which use them for new products development and technologies, the exact understanding concerning to what the customer expects from their services, is essential for the work planning and optimization of time and resources. This dissertation concerns to QFD methodology application in a research laboratory, as a support tool in the plastic resin development, nylon 12, for rapid prototyping processes. The general objectives are to adapt the polyamide 12 development according to the customer laboratory requirements in terms of quality, to make the knowledge clear and to anticipate possible technical difficulties for obtaining the final product with the previously established characteristics. / Mestrado / Desenvolvimento de Processos Químicos / Mestre em Engenharia Química

Size effects in out-of-plane bending stiffness of honeycomb cellular materials were studied using analytical mechanics of solids modeling, fabrication of samples and mechanical testing. Analysis predicts a positive size-effect relative to continuum model predictions in the flexure stiffness of a honeycombed beam loaded in out-of-plane bending. A method of determining the magnitude of that effect for several different methods of constructing or assembling square-celled and hexagonal-celled materials, using both single-walled and doubled-walled construction methods is presented. Hexagonal and square-celled honeycombs, with varying volume fractions were fabricated in Nylon 12 using Selective Laser Sintering. The samples were mechanically tested in three-point and four point-bending to measure flexure stiffness. The results from standard three-point flexure tests, did not agree with predictions based on a mechanics of solids model for either square or hexagonal-celled samples. Results for four-point bending agreed with the mechanics of solids model for the square-celled geometries but not for the hexagonal-celled geometries. A closed form solution of an elasticity model for the response of the four-point bending configuration was developed, which allows interpretation of recorded displacement data at two points and allows separation the elastic bending from the localized, elastic/plastic deformation that occurs between the loading rollers and the specimen’s surface. This localized deformation was significant in the materials tested. With this analysis, the four-point bending data agreed well with the mechanics of solids predictions. / text