Abstract
The first part of this paper demonstrated how the quasi-Fickian moisture uptake exhibited by stereolithography resins could be modelled. This part outlines the effect of moisture absorption on the mechanical properties of one of the materials. Fickian and dual Fickian diffusion models, using both analytical and finite element analysis (FEA) techniques, were used to model the moisture uptake in aged samples. Uniaxial tensile testing of dog bone samples revealed a decrease in elastic modulus and yield stress and an increase in strain to failure with increased moisture content. A model has been developed to predict the change in stiffness of aged samples over time. The results produced from this model show a good correlation with the experimental data and FEA predictions. It is proposed that FEA based coupled stress diffusion analysis methods can be used to predict the effect of moisture on the mechanical performance of parts made by stereolithography when used in service.
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