Didunoluwa was a visiting researcher from Luleå University of Technology in northern Sweden. His research focuses on Additive Manufacturing processes to form intricate parts for space applications and the characteristics of Design methods.

AM processes have limitations. For example, the higher the build angle of a structure being printed in relation to the plate it is built on, the higher the surface roughness on a part and, with that, the potential areas for cracks and stresses. Support structures can be used to reduce such surface roughness. Hence, post-processing is needed to remove surface roughness and the added supports. However, building support structures requires extra material, and additional post-processing is time-consuming.

This is where Didunoluwa’s research project will be put to use. He aims to look at how engineering design methods can help solve AM problems such as surface roughness, thus enhancing performance and reducing time to market for aerospace components.

In his project, he interviewed aerospace industry engineers to understand better the requirements needed to develop an effective design method for 3D-printed aerospace components. Furthermore, he will use the equipment at the University of Bristol to make and evaluate small test prototypes known as Additive Manufacturing Design Artefacts. The aim is to provide engineers with a framework for AM design. It is a continuation of research conducted by Christo Dordlofva, PhD at Luleå University of Technology.

His research work at Bristol is part of a joint project between the Swedish Aerospace Research Centre and the UK Aerospace Research Consortium, of which LTU and UoB are members.