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Design and Additive Manufacturing of Periodic Ceramic Architectures

G. Bianchi, S. Gianella, A. Ortona

Journal of Ceramic Science and Technology, Vol. 8, No. 1 (2017), pp. 59-66

DOI: 10.4416/JCST2016-00088

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Abstract

Cellular ceramics are attractive material solutions for high-temperature applications thanks to their outstanding properties. Although ceramic foams are already widely employed in industry, they exhibit scattered properties because of their randomness and fragility. Moreover, there are only few parameters that can be varied in order to engineer their properties.We begin with finite element simulations to show how periodic cellular ceramics can be designed to meet user requirements.Then, thanks to additive manufacturing (AM), the numerical domains can be readily transformed into physical objects. Complementing the many AM techniques available today, we developed an original method in which polymeric lattices templates are produced by means of 3D printing, further coated by replica with ceramic slurries and finally heat treated. The advantage of this technique is its flexibility. Practically any ceramic material already produced in bulk form can be realized.We then present some case studies in which we were able to design and produce components for concentrated volumetric solar receivers, thermal protection for aerospace entry vehicles, and heat exchangers.

Keywords

Additive manufacturing, cellular ceramics, high-temperature applications, periodic architectures

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