Ultrasonic Levitation as a Handling Tool for In-Space Manufacturing Processes

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftArtikelForschungPeer-Review

Autorschaft

  • Jan Raffel
  • Torben Boḧm
  • Jan Dus̈ing
  • Marvin Roḧl
  • Carsten Schilde
  • Ajay P. Malshe
  • Ludger Overmeyer
  • Christoph Lotz

Externe Organisationen

  • Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH)
  • Technische Universität Braunschweig
  • Purdue University
Forschungs-netzwerk anzeigen

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Aufsatznummer121001
FachzeitschriftJournal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering
Jahrgang146
Ausgabenummer12
Frühes Online-Datum19 Sept. 2024
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - Dez. 2024

Abstract

3D printing is one of the key technologies in space exploration. The disparity in gravitational forces between Earth and space presents both challenges and opportunities with regard to material handling. This article examines the potential of employing ultrasonic levitation as a handling tool for substrate-free additive manufacturing processes in microgravity environments. Through preliminary experiments, we demonstrate the feasibility of manipulating polymer powders using acoustic fields while concurrently melting the levitated material. Subsequent experiments conducted in our drop tower facility confirm our ability to manipulate particles with acoustic traps under microgravity conditions. Building upon these findings, we outline plans to further advance our research using an expanded acoustic levitation system capable of three-dimensional object manipulation. Our objectives include moving and orienting large components beyond the wavelength limit in microgravity, manipulating granular raw material while melting it in proximity to the print part, and achieving a semi-continuous fusion of print material with the print part. Therefore, we present an intelligent control strategy based on the results of a digital twin simulation. Furthermore, we utilize a stereo camera combined with computer vision as feedback for the control system to ensure precise handling of the manipulated objects and particles. This study represents a significant advance toward the realization of efficient substrate-free additive manufacturing processes in microgravity environments, with potential applications for in-space manufacturing. Ultimately, this could result in long-term space missions becoming less reliant on supply deliveries, thus reducing cost and additionally enabling faster response to unforeseen issues.

ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete

Zitieren

Ultrasonic Levitation as a Handling Tool for In-Space Manufacturing Processes. / Raffel, Jan; Boḧm, Torben; Dus̈ing, Jan et al.
in: Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, Jahrgang 146, Nr. 12, 121001, 12.2024.

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftArtikelForschungPeer-Review

Raffel, J, Boḧm, T, Dus̈ing, J, Roḧl, M, Schilde, C, Malshe, AP, Overmeyer, L & Lotz, C 2024, 'Ultrasonic Levitation as a Handling Tool for In-Space Manufacturing Processes', Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, Jg. 146, Nr. 12, 121001. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4066335
Raffel, J., Boḧm, T., Dus̈ing, J., Roḧl, M., Schilde, C., Malshe, A. P., Overmeyer, L., & Lotz, C. (2024). Ultrasonic Levitation as a Handling Tool for In-Space Manufacturing Processes. Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, 146(12), Artikel 121001. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4066335
Raffel J, Boḧm T, Dus̈ing J, Roḧl M, Schilde C, Malshe AP et al. Ultrasonic Levitation as a Handling Tool for In-Space Manufacturing Processes. Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering. 2024 Dez;146(12):121001. Epub 2024 Sep 19. doi: 10.1115/1.4066335
Raffel, Jan ; Boḧm, Torben ; Dus̈ing, Jan et al. / Ultrasonic Levitation as a Handling Tool for In-Space Manufacturing Processes. in: Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering. 2024 ; Jahrgang 146, Nr. 12.
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