Lattice Boltzmann multicomponent model for direct-writing printing
Michele Monteferrante, Andrea Montessori, Sauro Succi, Dario Pisignano, Marco Lauricella
Abstract
We introduce a mesoscale approach for the simulation of multicomponent flows to model the direct-writing printing process, along with the early stage of ink deposition. As an application scenario, alginate solutions at different concentrations are numerically investigated alongside processing parameters, such as apparent viscosity, extrusion rate, and print head velocity. The present approach offers useful insights on the ink rheological effects upon printed products, susceptible to geometric accuracy and shear stress, by manufacturing processes such as the direct-writing printing for complex photonic circuitry, bioscaffold fabrication, and tissue engineering.