Accelerated vibration-fatigue characterization for 3D-printed structures: Application to fused-filament-fabricated PLA samples

Numerous processing parameters combined with long-duration fatigue tests pose a major challenge when assessing the fatigue parameters of 3D-printed structures. In this research, a fatigue-testing method is introduced where sample is excited with random-signal profile enclosing sample's natural frequency. The innovative sample design is tailored for 3D-printing and is frequency-tuneable. The proposed approach results in significantly shorter fatigue tests due to higher loading frequency and simultaneous testing of multiple samples. Additionally, tracking of sample's natural frequency and damping during fatigue tests is applicable. The proposed method was experimentally verified on PLA samples; obtained results were comparable with the available literature.

Automated summary

A fatigue-testing method is proposed to assess the fatigue parameters of 3D-printed structures by exciting the sample with a random-signal profile and adjusting the frequency. The innovative sample design, suitable for 3D printing and frequency-tuneable, allows for significantly shorter fatigue tests and simultaneous testing of multiple samples. The method also enables tracking of the sample's natural frequency and damping during fatigue tests. Experimental verification on PLA samples shows comparable results with the available literature.