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Towards digital fabrication of carbon fiber lattice structures

Carbon fiber composites have garnered substantial attention in various industries due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and versatility in applications. The conventional methods of manufacturing carbon fiber structures involve labor-intensive and time-consuming processes, making them costly and limiting their design possibilities. To address these challenges, this thesis explores the potential of digitizable fabrication techniques in revolutionizing the production of carbon fiber structures.

This research embarks on a comprehensive investigation of the principles and methodologies behind digital fabrication technologies, such as weaving and laser curing, and their applicability to carbon fiber composites. The study delves into the intricate interplay between material science and digital fabrication, aiming to develop innovative strategies for the seamless integration of carbon fiber into digitally-driven manufacturing processes.

This thesis also presents a detailed exploration of the design freedom and customization opportunities enabled by possible digital fabrication techniques, allowing for the creation of complex, lightweight, and highly tailored carbon fiber structures. This research demonstrates how digital tools can facilitate the optimization of carbon fiber component geometry to meet specific performance requirements, ultimately improving the overall efficiency of structures.

To validate the feasibility and advantages of digital fabrication for carbon fiber structures, the research includes experimental case studies and prototyping efforts. These case studies involve the development of functional prototypes, showcasing the potential of digital fabrication to produce high-performance components for applications in aerospace.

In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the evolving field of carbon fiber composites by providing a systematic exploration of the opportunities, challenges, and innovations associated with digital fabrication techniques. The research underscores the transformative potential of marrying cutting-edge digital tools with the exceptional material properties of carbon fiber, ultimately advancing the state-of-the-art in manufacturing and design in various industries.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:columbia.edu/oai:academiccommons.columbia.edu:10.7916/xm3x-tk98
Date January 2024
CreatorsMcClintock, Hayley
Source SetsColumbia University
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeTheses

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