Deformation prediction of the laminated object modeling composite laminates

An improved LOM composite with a single-layer structure has been developed for the LOM rapid prototyping process. It eliminates the structural bias of the conventional material and has a higher resistance to moisture absorpti on. Deformation experiments have revealed that the time-temperature deforma tion behavior of the LOM composite is dominated by the individual component deformation behavior. The polymer provides a strengthening effect to the f iber network but the strengthening weakens at a temperature of 45 degrees C , beyond which the polymer becomes molten. Normalization of the deformation strain by stress has revealed that the behavior can be modeled on the basi s of its component behavior. A constitutive equation is developed to descri be the compressive creep behavior of the LOM composite for the tested range of pressures and temperatures. The utility of the constitutive law to pred ict the deformation of the building process and to predict final part heigh t is examined using a model profile. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.