Application and prospective of 3D printing in rock mechanics: A review

• 作者: Tian-hua Wu Yong-tao Gao Yu Zhou
• 来源期刊: 矿物冶金与材料学报
• 年，卷（期）: 2021,（1）
• 页码范围: 1-17
• 页数: 17页
• 语种: 英文

摘要

This review aims to discuss the application and development of three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology in the field of rock mechanics and the mechanical behaviors of 3D-printed specimens on the basis of various available printing materials.This review begins with a brief description of the concepts and principles associated with 3DP,and then systematically elaborates the five major applications of 3DP technology in the field of rock mechanics,namely,the preparation of rock (including pre-flawed rock) specimens,preparation of joints,prepar-ation of geophysical models,reconstruction of complex rock structures,and performance of bridging experimental testing and numerical simu-lation.Meanwhile,the mechanical performance of 3D-printed specimens created using six different printing materials,such as polymers,resin,gypsum,sand,ceramics,and rock-like geological materials,is reviewed in detail.Subsequently,some improvements that can make these 3D-printed specimens close to natural rocks and some limitations of 3DP technology in the application of rock mechanics are discussed.Some pro-spects that are required to be investigated in the future are also proposed.Finally,a brief summary is presented.This review suggests that 3DP technology,especially when integrated with other advanced technologies,such as computed tomography scanning and 3D scanning,has great potential in rock mechanics field.