2134/12234 Ross Friel Ross Friel Simona Masurtschak Simona Masurtschak Russell Harris Russell Harris Enabling dissimilar fibre embedding and explicit fibre layout in ultrasonic consolidation Loughborough University 2013 untagged Mechanical Engineering not elsewhere classified 2013-05-01 13:20:54 Conference contribution https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/conference_contribution/Enabling_dissimilar_fibre_embedding_and_explicit_fibre_layout_in_ultrasonic_consolidation/9554975 Ultrasonic Consolidation (UC) is a manufacturing technique based on the ultrasonic metal welding of a sequence of metal foils which are bonded to one another in a layer by layer manner. It combines the ability of additive and subtractive manufacturing techniques to create complex three-dimensional shapes. Due to moderate applied pressures and the relatively low temperatures experienced by a sample during manufacture, UC operates as a solid-state process. UC could potentially enable the fabrication of smart structures via integration of sensor, actuator and reinforcement fibres within a single metal matrix. Previous issues with the optimal placement of fibres directly between foils during UC have been identified. Also, different types of integrated fibres require different UC process conditions and thus present complications when integrating them in combination. To truly exploit the full potential of UC for smart structure capabilities it is envisioned that a high volume fraction of dissimilar fibres are required to be integrated together within a single metal matrix structure. Research on a new method to consolidate fibres securely and more accurately during UC is presented. Channels created prior to UC within metal matrix composites are investigated as a method to aid the embedding of high volume fractions of different fibres in unison without damage. Initial research using a 200 W fibre laser as an enabling tool to create channels of specific geometry onto a previously UC processed surface is detailed. The research verifies that controlled channelling on a UC surface is possible and that channel geometry is dependent on: laser traverse speed, laser beam power, and shroud gas flow rate. © (2010) by the International Conference on Adaptive Structures and Technologies (ICAST).