Details
Originalsprache | Englisch |
---|---|
Aufsatznummer | 121001 |
Fachzeitschrift | Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering |
Jahrgang | 146 |
Ausgabenummer | 12 |
Frühes Online-Datum | 19 Sept. 2024 |
Publikationsstatus | Veröffentlicht - 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
- Ingenieurwesen (insg.)
- Steuerungs- und Systemtechnik
- Ingenieurwesen (insg.)
- Maschinenbau
- Informatik (insg.)
- Angewandte Informatik
- Ingenieurwesen (insg.)
- Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen und Fertigungstechnik
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in: Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, Jahrgang 146, Nr. 12, 121001, 12.2024.
Publikation: Beitrag in Fachzeitschrift › Artikel › Forschung › Peer-Review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Ultrasonic Levitation as a Handling Tool for In-Space Manufacturing Processes
AU - Raffel, Jan
AU - Boḧm, Torben
AU - Dus̈ing, Jan
AU - Roḧl, Marvin
AU - Schilde, Carsten
AU - Malshe, Ajay P.
AU - Overmeyer, Ludger
AU - Lotz, Christoph
N1 - Publisher Copyright: Copyright © 2024 by ASME;
PY - 2024/12
Y1 - 2024/12
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
KW - additive manufacturing
KW - AI
KW - digital twin
KW - in-space manufacturing
KW - laser processes
KW - materials handling
KW - microgravity
KW - process engineering
KW - reinforcement learning
KW - simulation
KW - ultrasonic levitation
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85214123225&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1115/1.4066335
DO - 10.1115/1.4066335
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85214123225
VL - 146
JO - Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering
JF - Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering
SN - 1087-1357
IS - 12
M1 - 121001
ER -