Mechanical Characterization and Computational Analysis of TPU 60A: Integrating Experimental Testing and Simulation...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Robotics Engineering
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) 60A is a flexible material suitable for soft robotic grippers.
• Additive manufacturing enables the production of complex soft robotic components.
• Understanding material properties under various conditions is crucial for design.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the mechanical properties of TPU 60A.
• Determine the optimal printing orientation for additive manufacturing.
• Validate computational models for predicting material behavior.

Main Methods:

• Tensile tests were performed on TPU 60A specimens printed in different orientations (0°, 45°, -45°, 90°, quasi-isotropic) and at various speeds (2, 20, 200 mm/min).
• Computational simulations using the finite element method were conducted.
• Experimental tensile test results were compared with computational predictions to validate the models.

Main Results:

• The quasi-isotropic printing orientation yielded the most balanced mechanical behavior, outperforming other orientations for robust performance.
• Computational models accurately predicted material behavior, with relative errors below 5% for force and displacement.
• Strain rate analysis provided insights for optimizing production processes and enhancing mechanical strength.

Conclusions:

• The quasi-isotropic orientation is optimal for TPU 60A in additive manufacturing of soft robotics, ensuring predictable performance for simulations.
• The validated constitutive model accurately represents TPU 60A's mechanical behavior, enabling reliable finite element analysis.
• Tailored printing parameters and further research (e.g., biaxial testing, G-code optimization) are recommended for improved mechanical uniformity and advanced soft robotic designs.