Modelling of 3D concrete printing based on computational fluid dynamics

• Published in: Cement and concrete research Vol. 138; p. 106256
• Main Authors: Comminal, Raphael, Leal da Silva, Wilson Ricardo, Andersen, Thomas Juul, Stang, Henrik, Spangenberg, Jon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elmsford Elsevier Ltd 01-12-2020; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: 3D concrete printing; Cement constituents; Computational fluid dynamics; Dynamic models; Fluid dynamics; Layer geometry; Mortars (material); Multilayers; Newtonian fluids; Nozzles; Parametric study; Rheological properties; Rheology; Simulation; Three dimensional models; Three dimensional printing; Layer geometry; 3D concrete printing; Parametric study; Computational fluid dynamics; Rheology
• ISSN: 0008-8846; 1873-3948
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cemconres.2020.106256

This paper presents a computational fluid dynamic model of 3D Concrete Printing. The numerical simulation is used to predict the cross-sectional shape of 3D printed segments through “virtual printing” simulations. An experimental parametric study of the layer geometry is also conducted for a wide range of processing printing speeds and nozzle heights. The constitutive behavior of the cement-based mortar used in experiments is characterized by rotational and oscillatory rheological tests, and it is modelled with a Bingham constitutive law. Moreover, two formulations of the constitutive law are used in the simulations: the generalized Newtonian fluid model, and the elasto-visco-plastic fluid. Overall, the numerical results agree well with the experiments, validating the proposed computational fluid dynamics modelling approach. Finally, an example of multi-layer print simulations as well as research prospects are presented.