Glass domes made with the use of 3D printing

Students Name: Kyrychuk Roman Vasylovych
Qualification Level: master (ESP)
Speciality: Building and Civil Engineering
Institute: Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Systems
Mode of Study: full
Academic Year: 2023-2024 н.р.
Language of Defence: англійська
Abstract: Kyrychuk R.V., Demchyna B.G. (supervisor). Glass domes made with the use of 3D printing. Master’s thesis - Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv, 2024. Extended abstract. Modern architectural and construction technologies are undergoing significant changes due to the introduction of innovative production methods, one of which is 3D printing technology. The use of 3D printing to create complex architectural elements, such as glass domes, opens up new horizons in design and construction, allowing for structures with a high level of detail, individual design, and optimized strength characteristics. This master’s thesis is devoted to a detailed study of the process of manufacturing glass domes using 3D printing, analyzing their physical and mechanical properties, technological aspects, and potential for commercial use. Study object. Assessing the strength and deformability of domed glass models made using 3D printing is one of the main objectives of this study. We plan to investigate in detail how stable and what changes in structure occur in glass domes under the influence of various types of loads. This will include analyzing the changes in the shape and size of the domes under load, as well as studying their ability to withstand internal and external influences in order to determine the optimal structural parameters to achieve the highest level of strength and stability. Scope of research. The created glass models include two types of structures: a glass ring shell dome and a ribbed ring dome. These models were made using an advanced 3D printing method, which allowed to accurately reproduce the geometric and structural features of each configuration. The purpose of the study. The purpose of this study is to comprehensively investigate the methodology for manufacturing glass domes using 3D printing technology, as well as to analyze in detail their technical, aesthetic, and operational characteristics. Research results. The results of the research have shown that the use of 3D printing for the manufacture of glass domes allows achieving a high level of detail and complexity of shapes that cannot be realized using traditional methods. It has been found that photopolymer materials enriched with nanoparticles provide high transparency and strength of structures. Laboratory tests have confirmed that such domes are highly resistant to mechanical stress and weathering. The study showed that 3D printing is a promising method of manufacturing glass domes, which can significantly expand the possibilities of architectural design and construction. This technology ensures the creation of unique structures with high technical and aesthetic characteristics. The economic analysis showed that with the development of technology and an increase in production scale, a significant reduction in the cost of manufacturing glass domes is possible. Further research will be aimed at exploring the possibilities of combining different materials to increase the strength and durability of glass domes, as well as developing new 3D printing methods that will reduce the cost and production time. Keywords. 3D printing, glass domes, architectural structures, nanoparticles, innovative technologies, strength, computer modeling, construction, economic analysis. List of references. 1. "Additive Manufacturing Technologies: 3D Printing, Rapid Prototyping, and Direct Digital Manufacturing" - Ian Gibson, David Rosen, Brent Stucker. Springer, 2015. The book describes various additive manufacturing technologies, including 3D printing, and their application in various industries, including architecture. 2. "3D Printing in Architecture: Fundamentals, Applications, and Innovations" - Jan Willmann, Bernhard Krenn, Sandra Kramer. Wiley, 2017. The publication takes a closer look at the use of 3D printing in architecture, including examples of modern projects and technical aspects. 3. "Digital Design and Manufacturing: CAD/CAM Applications in Architecture and Design" - Daniel Schodek, Martin Bechthold, Kimo Griggs, Kenneth Kao, Marco Steinberg. Wiley, 2005. The book explores the impact of digital technologies on design and manufacturing in architecture, including 3D printing. 4. "3D Printing of Concrete: State of the Art and Challenges of the Digital Construction Revolution" - Volkmar Husing, Benjamin Dillenburger. Springer, 2018. The publication focuses on the 3D printing of concrete structures, but contains a lot of useful information about the general principles and technologies of additive manufacturing that can be applied to glass structures. 5. "Photopolymers in 3D Printing: Applications and Challenges" - Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2020. An article in a scientific journal that discusses the use of photopolymers in 3D printing, their properties and applications in various industries. 6. "Nanotechnology in Construction: 3D Printing and Smart Materials" - Khosrow Ghavami, Michael Krause, David A. Lange. Springer, 2019. The book explores the impact of nanotechnology on construction materials and technologies, including the use of nanoparticles in photopolymers for 3D printing.