Presented By: Narayanan Neithalath, Arizona State University
Description: Discrete element method (DEM) is used to model the extrusion-based 3D printing process of cementitious binders. This work outlines the methodology adopted to evaluate the linkage between particle scale processes and the extrusion process. Simulations of mini slump test, tack test and parallel plate test are used to evaluate the rheological response of the printable material. A calibration of above-mentioned models is used to define the rheological model to be used in DEM and extract the relevant parameters. They are then implemented in a scaled-down extrusion printing model to determine the influence of particle-scale effects and geometry set-up on extrusion force, velocity, and layer stability. A parametric study is carried out to further investigate the influence of particle volumes and size distributions.
