Computational investigation of composite properties fabricated by extrusion based additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing has a wide range of applications in different sectors, specially in aerospace and defense, automotive, medical and architecture. The application of lightweight and functional properties topology optimization methods in products is a common approach and it is possible to produce complex geometries thanks to additive manufacturing. In this thesis, modeling studies have been performed to predict the properties of polymer matrix composites fabricated by material extrusion-based additive manufacturing, which attracts attention by both industry, academia and individual users. It is aimed to reach the correct production parameters with a minimum of trial and error.The analytical model, which takes into account both material properties and production parameters, has been validated by comparison with both experimental studies and previous literature research. Better convergence values were obtained than the models developed by previous researchers. Further, finite element analyzes were also carried out and a selected product was subjected to topology optimization by assigning different polymer and polymer matrix material properties produced by material extrusion based additive manufacturing. The geometries resulting from the topology optimizations made with the same element type and dimensions, the same loading conditions and the same mass reduction target are discussed.