Modeling and Simulation of LFAM: Polymers, Metals, and Cements and Clays, a Review

Abstract

Large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) is considered to be one of the most efficient systems for producing large-sized parts. This is primarily due to the high deposition rate, minimal material waste, and cost-effectiveness in terms of both materials and processes. However, the development of modeling and simulations are not maintaining pace with the rapid advancement of the manufacturing process due to high computational costs, lack of validation and part qualification methods, and insufficient understanding of fundamental physics. Therefore, in this section, we explore characteristic challenges and state-of-the-art technologies in LFAM across three different types of materials: (i) metals, (ii) polymers, and (iii) cements and clays, and then discuss potential opportunities in large-scale modeling and simulations for LFAM.