Summary:
Solid freeform fabrication (SFF) techniques (such as selective laser sintering, stereolithography, direct metal deposition, and others) enable the fabrication of parts with complex, freeform, internal and external architectures. We are exploring opportunities for leveraging this design freedom to enhance the functionality of SFF parts. Functional roles include lightweight stiffness, strength, and compliance; impact, energy, or acoustic absorption; and heat exchange or insulation. Two recent applications include the design of deployable structures with lattice skins and the design of acoustic materials that dissipate acoustic and mechanical energy.

Collaborators:
David Bourell, Michael Haberman, Preston Wilson

Students:
Lia Kashdan

Vikram Sundar

Related Publications:

Gupta, G. and C. C. Seepersad, 2008, "Topology Design of Compliant Cellular Structures with Contact-Enabled, Graded Stiffness," 49th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, Schaumburg, IL, Paper Number: AIAA-2008-2262.

Seepersad, C. C., J. K. Allen, D. L. McDowell and F. Mistree, 2008, "Multifunctional Topology Design of Cellular Material Structures," ASME Journal of Mechanical Design, Vol. 130, No. 3, pp. 031404-1-13.

Maheshwaraa, U., C. C. Seepersad and D. L. Bourell, 2007, "Design and Freeform Fabrication of Deployable Structures with Lattice Skins," Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 213-225.

Maheshwaraa, U., C. C. Seepersad, and D.L. Bourell, 2007, "Topology Design and Freeform Fabrication of Deployable Structures with Lattice Skins," Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (D. L. Bourell, J. J. Beaman, R. H. Crawford, H. L. Marcus, C. C. Seepersad and K. L. Wood, Eds.), Austin, TX.

Seepersad, C. C., D. Shahan, and K. Madhavan, 2007, "Multiscale Design for Solid Freeform Fabrication," Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (D. L. Bourell, J. J. Beaman, R. H. Crawford, H. L. Marcus, C. C. Seepersad and K. L. Wood, Eds.), Austin, TX.

Gupta, G., J. Tan and C. C. Seepersad, 2006, "Design and Freeform Fabrication of Compliant Cellular Materials with Graded Stiffness," Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (D. L. Bourell, J. J. Beaman, R. H. Crawford, H. L. Marcus, C. C. Seepersad and K. L. Wood, Eds.), Austin, TX.

Maheshwaraa, U., C. Tradd, D. L. Bourell and C. C. Seepersad, 2006, "Design and Freeform Fabrication of Deployable Structures with Lattice Skins," Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (D. L. Bourell, J. J. Beaman, R. H. Crawford, H. L. Marcus, C. C. Seepersad and K. L. Wood, Eds.), Austin, TX.

Seepersad, C.C., J. K. Allen, D. L. McDowell, and F. Mistree, 2006, "Robust Design of Cellular Materials with Topological and Dimensional Imperfections," ASME Journal of Mechanical Design, Vol. 128, No. 6, pp. 1285-1297.