Many natural structures outperform conventional synthetic counterparts due to the specially evolved multi-scale, multi-material, and multi-functional architectures. However, most current 3D printing systems are designed to fabricate parts using a single material on a single scale, mainly for structural purposes. Such complex yet beautiful designs in natural structures are far beyond the fabrication capability of current 3D printing systems.
This talk will report some of our recent work on developing new multi-scale, multi-material, and multi-functional additive manufacturing processes to fabricate bio-inspired structures and smart devices with integrated mechanical, optics, fluidic, and thermal properties.
After a brief overview of current 3D printing technology, several additive manufacturing (AM) processes to fabricate complex reinforcement architectures, functional surfaces, and smart devices will be presented. Some novel biomedical and energy-related designs and promising applications enabled by the 3D-printed structures will also be discussed. The talk will conclude with remarks and thoughts on future AM developments and potential opportunities for mechanical and aerospace engineers.
Dr. Yong Chen is a professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering and Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC). His research focuses on additive manufacturing (3D printing) and related modeling, control, material, and application. He has published 1 edited book, 4 book chapters, and nearly 200 publications in refereed journals and conferences, as well as 19 issued and pending U.S. patents. His work has been recognized by over 15 Best/Outstanding Paper Awards in major design and manufacturing conferences and research journals. Other major awards he received include the NSF CAREER Award, USC’s Innovation Commercialization Awards, and invitations to the National Academy of Engineering Frontiers of Engineering Symposiums.
Professor Chen is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). He has served as conference/program chair and keynote speaker at several international design and manufacturing conferences. At USC, Dr. Chen teaches students design and manufacturing-related courses. Eight Ph.D. students and post-doctors from his group have landed faculty positions in North American Universities. He also helped six Ph.D. students and two collaborators to create four startup companies related to 3D printing that have received over $350 million from venture capital funds.