4D printed shape memory sandwich structures: experimental analysis and numerical modeling

Abstract Additive manufacturing has provided a unique opportunity to fabricate highly complex structures as well sandwich with various out-of-plane cores. The application of intelligent materials, such shape memory polymers, gives an additional dimension the three-dimensional (3D) printing process, known four-dimensional (4D) printing, so that deformed can return their initial by influence external stimulus like temperature. In this study, 4D smart potential energy absorption is investigated. samples were fabricated considering process parameters (i.e. layer height, nozzle temperature, velocity, and wall thickness) tested mechanically. experimental work reveals sandwiches fully recover form applying simple heating. Besides, reliable finite element model (FEM) was developed predict functional behavior horseshoe in compression analysis. simulation results show among parameters, thickness, temperature are most significant increase compressive load and, consequently, rate. concept, results, modeling study expected be used design fabrication printed for applications.