In this thesis, we developed a process for producing a 3D-printed heating element with an
embedded continuous copper wire and investigated the effect of local heating on the dynamic
response of an assembled beam. We addressed the challenge of feeding the wire and polymer
simultaneously by testing different solutions and adapting the print head and manufacturing
process. We verified the element’s performance through thermal characterization. We then
measured the beam’s accelerance under impact excitation and evaluated its response at
different reference temperature conditions using experimental modal analysis. We found that
higher reference temperatures were associated with lower natural frequencies and higher
estimated damping ratios. Because we did not monitor temperature directly during the modal
measurements, we limit our conclusions to the reference temperature conditions. The
developed process provides a basis for incorporating other continuous functional materials
into printed polymer structures.
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