Abstract

Direct write processes include a range of additive manufacturing technologies. These technologies are employed to fabricate structures by depositing layer upon layer of functional material. The feature resolutions obtained are often in the micron or sub-micron range. This thesis focuses on use of the Aerosol Jet direct write printing process, which shows promise for the fabrication of ceramic films due to its fine feature resolution and flexibility with printing complex features. This study identifies significant process parameters and their relationship to the process output for deposition of Samarium-doped Ceria (SDC) nano-ink. A design of experiments approach is used to generate a model where height and width of the printed tracks are the response variables of interest. Initial feasible operating ranges for each process parameter were identified. Then fractional factorial screening experiments were designed to identify the significant factors affecting the response variables in the study. Two distinct regression equations were generated to predict width and height. Validation experiments were run to confirm the actual values as compared with the predicted ones. For height, the experiment results suggested lack of curvature as well as the standard error and R-squared values were found satisfactory. For width, a higher order model was designed referring to the results of the validation experiment. For the higher order model a three factor three level experiment was considered. The higher order model gives a much lesser standard error and better fit of residuals as compared to the screening model for width. In addition, the study includes a brief discussion on use of Aerosol Jet printing system to manufacture high aspect ratio structures in addition to its application in thin film deposition. The work further demonstrates printing of a high aspect ratio micro-pillar array as a proof of this concept.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Solid oxide fuel cells--Design and construction; Thin films--Design and construction; Nanostructured materials

Publication Date

11-16-2012

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Industrial and Systems Engineering (KGCOE)

Advisor

Cormier, Denis

Advisor/Committee Member

Esterman, Marcos

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: TK2933.S65 D36 2012

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Download

Share

COinS