College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Materials Engineering Department
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Materials Engineering Department
Advisor
Joel Galos, College of Engineering, Materials Engineering Department
Funding Source
This project was funded by Lockheed Martin
Date
10-2025
Abstract/Summary
This SURP proposal is centered around the exploration of the application of 3D printing composite part processing techniques to produce multi-material sandwich structures for high performance applications such as civilian and military aircraft. These processing techniques have the potential to significantly reduce the costs and the environmental impact of existing conventional autoclave composite processing techniques. The exploration of new ‘out-of-autoclave’ composite part processing techniques may help to reduce processing costs and the environmental impact of processing, as well as broaden the engineering applications of cellular core materials beyond their existing engineering applications. 3D printing directly onto sandwich core materials will eliminate the need to evacuate air from the core, as well as the corresponding process complications of conventional vacuum bag autoclave co-cure processes. In this project composite sandwich structures will be designed, fabricated and characterized with the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) 3D printing process, combined with conventional cellular core materials such as Nomex honeycomb and PET polymer foam.
October 1, 2025.
Included in
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/ceng_surp/131