Advanced Additive Manufacturing and Topology Optimization

MECH 6910S

Course Description

This course introduces seven state-of-the-art additive manufacturing (AM) technologies that apply to various materials. The physical principle, theoretical modeling, and the effects of different process parameters are derived and analyzed. Based on the knowledge of the AM processes, computer-aided tools, and specific design principles for AM are also discussed.
Among the design guidelines, the concept and practices of topology optimization are highlighted. The students will learn to generate structurally optimal designs based on loads, constraints, and other required product performance and manufacturing conditions. The course also provides experimental sessions to manufacture the structural optimized parts with either metal selective laser sintering or continuous fiber-reinforced additive manufacturing.

Topology Optimization and Additive Manufacturing

MESF 5580

Course Description

This course introduces seven state-of-the-art additive manufacturing (AM) technologies that apply to various materials. The physical principle, theoretical modeling, and the effects of different process parameters are derived and analyzed. Based on the knowledge of the AM processes, computer-aided tools, and specific design principles for AM are also discussed.
Among the design guidelines, the concept and practices of topology optimization are highlighted. The students will learn to generate structurally optimal designs based on loads, constraints, and other required product performance and manufacturing conditions.

Introduction to additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping

MECH 4000O

Course Description

This course serves as a general introduction to the underlying concepts of state-of-the-art additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. A wide range of representative processes (including fused deposition modeling, material jetting, selective laser sintering, direct energy deposition, stereolithography, digital light processing) is discussed in the AM of different materials. The physical principle, theoretical modeling, and the effects of different process parameters are derived and analyzed. Building on the knowledge of AM process, the computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) are reviewed; specific design principles for AM are discussed. The students are also expected to have hands-on experience with continuous carbon fiber printers through the design, fabrication, measurement, and testing of parts. Besides AM, other representative rapid prototyping techniques are also briefly discussed.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2021 Fall