Instrumented Prototypes

Full scale prototyping can be expensive and time consuming. Virtual prototypes reduce costs and time but often cannot be relied on for full scale production. Instrumented SFF prototypes update virtual prototypes, reducing cycle times and costs for full scale production. Both single and multi-layer access, two different methods for embedding sensors, are investigated at the University of Texas at Austin. Sensors are first embedded in a simulated SLS process to determine if embedding off the shelf sensors is feasible. Foil strain gages are then embedded into cantilever beams using multi-layer techniques. Both foil strain gages and bead type thermocouples are also embedded using single layer techniques. The results of the single layer tests will be used to construct a proof-of-concept prototype for single layer embedding.