NCSI: Micro-CT Image-based Multiscale Finite Element Modeling of 3D Printed Polymeric Materials

Status	Completed
Mentor Name	Jun Li
Mentor's XSEDE Affiliation	Research Allocation
Mentor Has Been in XSEDE Community	1-2 years
Project Title	Micro-CT Image-based Multiscale Finite Element Modeling of 3D Printed Polymeric Materials
Summary	This project will conduct finite element (FE) simulations to predict mechanical properties of 3D printed polymeric materials based on their microstructures from Micro-CT images. Image segmentation and analysis will be performed on Micro-CT images to construct FE models. Realistic representative volume element (RVE) based on measurable microstructure information will then be simulated by FE analyses to predict macroscopic mechanical properties.
Job Description	The student will apply open-source Image processing software for Micro-CT image segmentation and visualizations. The student will transform the reconstructed images to finite element models for computational analysis. The student will learn and apply multiscale FE-RVE based on materials microstructures and boundary conditions to assess macroscopic properties.
Computational Resources	We will start this project on a local HPC system with a reduced size model to let the student practice software packages and parallel methods. Then we plan to move to cloud-based XSEDE resources for a large size model. Since the image visualizations and analysis require interactive computing with large I/O and datasets, we will request Stampede 2 for this project. When time allows, we will further conduct performance tests on Stampede 2.
Contribution to Community	This project will train undergraduate students to do computational research of micro-CT image-based modeling on 3D printed materials. The project will contribute to the understanding of process-structure-property relation in 3D printing as well as stimulating students' interests in developing large computational models that run on XSEDE clusters for microstructure-based predictions of materials properties.
Position Type	Intern
Training Plan	Training will be provided for the student to use open-source image processing software and commercial finite element package ABAQUS. Training on FE-RVE multiscale analysis will be provided to students through tutorial examples and one-on-one meetings. In addition, the student will be trained to be familiar with Linux operating system and High-performance computing environment.
Student Prerequisites/Conditions/Qualifications	Must have finite element modeling background and programming skills such as in Matlab or Python to develop user scripts. Mathematical Statistics and CAD modeling skills are desired to perform image analysis and build computational models.
Duration	Semester
Start Date	01/20/2021
End Date	04/30/2021