Projects

Current Research Projects

Accepted Abstracts

ASME IMECE 2025

Improving Impact Resistance in 3D-Printed Structures Through Parameter Optimization

Mechack Nduwa

The mechanical behavior of fused deposition modeling (FDM) components depends on the printing parameters chosen. This study investigates how infill density and raster angles influence the energy absorption behavior of polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) and polylactic acid (PLA) under impact loading. Test specimens were fabricated at various infill percentages and raster angles, and then subjected to standardized Izod impact testing to assess their performance. Results indicate that energy absorption increases as the infill increases for PLA, achieving a peak at 100% infill percentage with a 30-120° raster angle. On the other hand, PETG demonstrated a decline in impact energy as the infill increased, achieving the highest absorption at 25% infill and a 45-135° raster angle. Selecting the infill and choosing a favorable raster angle, designers can substantially enhance the impact resistance of parts fabricated through this method.

 

Effects of Infill Density and Raster Angle on Additvely Manufactured PLA and PETG Polymers Using the Grid Infill Pattern

Edgar Bryant

Additive manufacturing is a manufacturing method that fabricates parts in a layer-by-layer process. Additive manufacturing has gained popularity due to its inherent ability to create less material waste. However, the layer-by-layer manufacturing process generates parts with properties that are challenging to predict. This anisotropic nature results from the different directions and printing parameters in which parts can be manufactured. This research aims to advance the understanding of the tensile behavior of additively manufactured parts, specifically those made using polylactic acid and 
polyethylene terephthalate glycol. This will be paramount in understanding how infill density and raster angle tradeoffs can create optimized parts for specific applications. To accomplish this, polymer samples were manufactured using material extrusion and tested in tension according to ASTM standards. The manufacturing parameters that were varied in this study were infill density and raster angle. The novel contribution to the research is the use of the grid infill pattern, as it is not extensively 
covered in the current literature. Experimental results show that as the infill density increases, so do Young’s Modulus and ultimate tensile strength. Furthermore, the 0°- 90° raster angle exhibits the highest tensile properties regardless of infill density and material. 

 

Performance Analysis and Simulation of the Hydraulic SCRAM System in TREAT Reactor

Dominic Mandato

The Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) serves a vital role in nuclear fuel safety research, enabling transient experiments that simulate reactivity excursions and accident scenarios. Central to these operations is the transient control rod drive system (TCRDS), which drives rapid motion of the transient control rods such that TREAT can simulate rapid power changes typical of reactor accidents. The reliability and performance of this system are critical for protecting both fuel specimens and reactor infrastructure.
This study presents the initial phase of a two-year investigation into the dynamics and reliability of the TREAT hydraulic TCRDS. Conducted in collaboration with INL, the research employs a combined computational and experimental approach to analyze the system's response time, pressure transients, and potential failure modes. Emphasis is placed on understanding how fluid characteristics influence the TCRDS’s ability to achieve both rapid power changes and mechanical stability. The TRDS and the skid that powers it will be analyzed throughout this investigation. Computational modeling using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) will simulate the hydraulic response under varying conditions. In parallel, experimental testing planned at INL will validate these models and capture key performance metrics. This paper outlines the system design, analytical framework, and modeling strategies that form the foundation for later testing.
Ultimately, this work aims to support improvements to the TCRDS’s design and reliability, contributing to the broader goal of enhancing nuclear fuel safety and sustaining TREAT’s mission as a premier nuclear fuel test facility