Computational modeling of fiber orientation during 3D-concrete-printing

Abstract During 3D-printing of fiber-reinforced concrete, fibers tend to align with the printing direction due strong shearing deformation material, allowing for controlled production components desired fiber orientation states. The accurate prediction state in printed poses a major challenge large number processing and material parameters involved complex mechanisms flow reorientation during printing. This contribution presents novel incorporation Folgar–Tucker model within fluid dynamics framework based on Particle Finite Element Method simulations evolution 3D-concrete-printing. is represented using second-order tensor, which coupled new anisotropic Bingham constitutive used viscous fiber-concrete mixture account effect velocity field. Further, distribution function reconstructed from following maximum entropy method more convenient interpretation results. validated by comparing simulated numbers 3D-printed concrete layer different extrusion nozzle diameters experimental values literature. Several parametric studies are performed examine influence process components. Stronger alignment obtained higher speeds or smaller nozzles, associated shear stresses developing nozzle.