Modeling of the fracture behavior of the 3D Printed polymers using XFEM

Abstract

3D printing technologies, called Additive Manufacturing, are widely used to create highly complex physical prototypes. However, the fracture resistance of 3D polymers is often reduced, which limits their use in various applications. To address this issue, this study investigates the fracture behavior of a SENT specimen using 100% of Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and 0.4mm thickness. The single-edge notch tension (SENT) was made under a uniaxial tensile test using MTS CRITERION MODEL 44 machine. The cohesive behavior approach used in the fracture model between the layers was tie constraint, and the type of layer's contact was defined. A comparative study of the crack propagation behavior using XFEM and experimental testing was conducted, with the experimental data analyzed using ImageJ software. The results of this study can be used to optimize 3D printing parameters and improve the mechanical properties of printed parts.