Simulation and mechanical testing of 3D printing shin guard composite materials

This study critically examines the composite material's mechanical properties and performance for 3D-printed shin guards. It contains a thermoplastic polymer matrix with short carbon fibre reinforcement. Shin guard stress and deformation under impact loading were modelled using FEA models. The composite material was 3D-printed and tested for tensile, flexural, and impact properties. The entire cycle of FEA models and careful mechanical testing allows for the development and evaluation of new composite materials and designs. The finite element analysis, such as maximum von Mises stress, is 2890.5 MPa. The carbon fibre-reinforced composite's mechanical properties, including tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance, showed a considerable improvement over those of the unreinforced polymer. The solid design could be heavier and less adaptable than the pattern. Compared to unreinforced polymers, carbon fibre improves strength, stiffness, and impact resistance for the 3D-printed composite. This result thus proves that 3D-printed carbon fibre-reinforced composites could make superior sports protective equipment like shin guards. The FEA calculations and extensive mechanical testing provide a dependable framework for creating and testing these new composite materials and systems.