Structural modeling of 3D-printed composites

Additively manufactured composites with continuous fibers (3D-
printed cFRPs) are prominent for use in the industry since they can
obtain properties close to metals and also allow manufacturing of
complex geometries without molds. Despite their importance, the
behavior of 3D-printed cFRPs remains insufficiently understood,
limiting their potential. In this thesis, the physics that governs
the elastic and damage behavior of 3D-printed cFRPs is explored
through structural modeling. The material is studied across dif-
ferent length scales ranging from the scale of fibers to that of full
parts. To this end, ideal and real models are developed utilizing
novel theories and micro-computed tomography or microscopy im-
ages, to investigate the influence of fibers and voids on the elastic
behavior of 3D-printed cFRPs. Once the fundamentals of the elas-
tic behavior are established, the models are extended to include
fiber damage, one of the most important failure mechanisms of 3D-
printed cFRPs. The novel models are additionally compared with
experimental data, demonstrating excellent agreement. This thesis
forms a foundation stone for more elaborate modeling strategies
aimed at advancing the field of 3D-printed cFRPs and composites
in general.