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Alley, V. L., Jr.

Publications and source records attributed to Alley, V. L., Jr..

12 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1978

Nozzle extraction process and handlemeter for measuring handle

Method and apparatus for quantitatively measuring the handle of fabrics and other flexible materials is presented. Handle is that term used to refer to the qualities of drapability, flexibility, compressibility, foldability, stretchability, pliability, etc., possessed by fabrics and other flexible materials. In the present invention the handle of a material sample is quantified by measuring the force required to draw the sample through an orifice and expressing the resultant extractive force as a function of test apparatus geometry and the amount of sample drawn through the orifice to arrive at quantitative measure of handle, to be defined as handle modulus, for the sample in question.

Alley, V. L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Quantitative measurement of the "feel" of fabric

Device handle of fabric is a property related to flexibility, pliability, or compressibility. Technique requires extraction of flat circular sample of fabric through convergent nozzle.

Alley, V. L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Amplifying ribbon extensometer

A self-contained, nonelectrical strain gage capable of amplifying strain inputs and preserving the maximum strain measurement for later observance is presented.

Alley, V. L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Amplifying ribbon extensometer

Device provides accurate measurement of strain on flexible membranes and fabrics. It is compact and lightweight, has strain-amplification capability up to five, and has an accuracy better than one percent.

Alley, V. L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Amplifying ribbon extensometer for measuring film and fabric strain

Variations of a low-cost amplifying linear threshold extensometer are presented in detail for high or low strain applications. Derivations of scale relationships and extraction forces are included with experimental correlations and analyses given on performance, attachment problems, gain selection, gage and base material compatibility, and zero setting techniques. Flight applications of unamplified gages on parawing deployment tests are noted. The amplified gages perform accurately in laboratory tests and further experience is needed on performance under dynamic environments.

Alley, V. L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Structural materials research for lighter-than-air systems

Inflatable systems have widespread applications in military, government, and industrial sectors. Improvements in inflatable materials have followed each salient advancement in textiles. The new organic fiber, Kevlar, is a recent and most significant advancement that justified reexamination of old and new inflatable materials' applications. A fertile frontier exists in integrating Kevlar with various other material combinations, in optimization of geometric features, and in selection of thermomechanical characteristics' compatibility with the environment. Expectations regarding Kevlar have been justified by the performance of two experimental materials. Styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers appear promising as a constituent adhesive for low temperature applications. Biaxial testing for both strength and material elastic properties is a technology area needing greater awareness and technology growth along with improved facilities. Because of dramatic materials' advancements, inflatable systems appear to be moving toward an increased position in tomorrow's aerospace industry.

Alley, V. L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Experimental investigation of strains in fabric under biaxial and shear forces.

The paper defines the experimental phase of an objective to obtain the mechanical characteristics and coefficients required by the generalized form of Hooke's law for nylon-polyurethane-coated fabric. Test specimens were cylindrical fabric sleeves and were loaded in axial tension by an Instron, in hoop tension by pressurizing, and in shear by a torquing fixture. An extensive amount of strain data is included for a wide combination of the three membrane loads. The tests indicate highly nonlinear stress-strain characteristics of the fabric and a strong dependency on all three membrane loads.

Alley, V. L., Jr.↗