FDM-tipi 3 Boyutlu Yazıcılar ile Mikro Ölçekte Akış Kontrolü Sağlayabilen Riblet Desenlerinin Üretimine Yönelik bir Çalışma

Abstract

This study explores the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) additive manufacturing method as a practical alternative for flow characterization applications critical in aerospace technology. While there are significant studies in the literature on high-budget FDM devices for manufacturing high-dimensional consistency parts, research focusing on sub-millimeter riblet geometries using more accessible, practical, and flexible open-source devices remains limited. In this study, a printer that can be mechanically and programmatically modified was used to create parallel riblet patterns resembling wing structures on plates. Microscopic examinations and measurements were conducted on these riblets to address encountered issues. Observations revealed that hardware elements such as nozzle-table distance and nozzle circularity are crucial for homogeneous material extrusion. Additionally, it was observed that software-defined parameters like line width and flow rate significantly affect riblet dimensions. Particularly in experiments involving calibration of these parameters in open-source concept devices, riblet width, inter-riblet spacing, and riblet height were achieved with a high accuracy error rate of up to 1.83%, 1.33%, and 0.19%, respectively. Consequently, this study demonstrated the feasibility of producing riblets in this size and precision using widely available, cost-effective, and customizable FDM devices. Considering the significance of riblet structures in aerospace industries for flow control and surface modifications, this research aims to provide critical insights for the practical and effective production of more complex surface profiles in research and development activities.