Frequency and deflection responses of 3D-printed carbon fiber reinforced polylactic acid composites: Theoretical and experimental verification

In the present study, the vibration and bending characteristics of carbon fiber reinforced 3D printed composites have been investigated using first order shear deformation theory (FSDT). The elastic properties of 3D printed carbon fiber reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) material were examined using the ASTM D638 standard test. From the tested specimens, the fractured surfaces were observed for bonding between layers, fiber-matrix interfaces, and failures using a field emission scanning electron microscope. The experimental vibration analysis was performed on with and without carbon fiber reinforced 3D printed composites to predict natural frequencies under different boundary conditions. The experimental results is compared with finite element analysis in terms of natural frequencies, and it shows very good agreement for 3D printed composites. Furthermore, parametric analysis is performed to explore the influence of end conditions and aspect ratios on the vibration and bending characteristics of 3D printed carbon fiber reinforced composites.