Formation of letters in the alphabet using 4D printing of composites
Suong V. Hoa, Daniel Rosca
Abstract
This paper presents the procedure for the manufacturing of composite structures with complex geometries using the method of 4D printing of composites (4DPC). In 4DPC, the complex structures are made without the use of complex molds. Flat layers of composites are deposited on a flat mold. Utilizing the anisotropy of the lay up sequence in the laminates, when these laminates are cured and cooled to room temperature, the flat laminates become curved. In this paper, the complex configurations of a few letters in the alphabet are made using the method of 4DPC. Specifically the formations of the letters C, O, N, R, D, I, A are made. These letters form the basic letters for the word CONCORDIA. The lay up sequence for each of the letters is presented. The final configurations of the letters after curing and cooling are presented.