Rheological behaviour of 3D printed energetic materials
Energetic formulations are heterogeneous systems, consisting of solid particles (usually the energetic material) embedded in a polymer-based matrix. Traditionally, these formulations are processed using pressing, mixing/casting, and extrusion. With the advent of additive manufacturing (3D-printing), great benefits are foreseen when applying the design freedom of additive manufacturing to energetic materials. Within this PhD project, the current understanding of additive manufacturing of energetic materials as a new and innovative processing tool will be further extended. The aim is to understand and numerically model additive manufacturing of heterogeneous, two-phase flows consisting of solid particles (energetic materials) dispersed in a liquid medium. This aim is to be achieved by carrying out experiments using additive manufacturing techniques complemented with modifying or developing numerical models with which the experimental results can be described and understood. The project will be performed in close collaboration with TNO.