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Chamis, Christos C.

Publications and source records attributed to Chamis, Christos C..

246 records · Page 14

Probabilistic structural analysis methods for space propulsion system components

The development of a three-dimensional inelastic analysis methodology for the Space Shuttle main engine (SSME) structural components is described. The methodology is composed of: (1) composite load spectra, (2) probabilistic structural analysis methods, (3) the probabilistic finite element theory, and (4) probabilistic structural analysis. The methodology has led to significant technical progress in several important aspects of probabilistic structural analysis. The program and accomplishments to date are summarized.

Chamis, Christos C.↗

Computational composite mechanics for aerospace propulsion structures

Specialty methods are presented for the computational simulation of specific composite behavior. These methods encompass all aspects of composite mechanics, impact, progressive fracture and component specific simulation. Some of these methods are structured to computationally simulate, in parallel, the composite behavior and history from the initial frabrication through several missions and even to fracture. Select methods and typical results obtained from such simulations are described in detail in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of computationally simulating: (1) complex composite structural behavior in general, and (2) specific aerospace propulsion structural components in particular.

Chamis, Christos C.↗

Probabilistic structural analysis to evaluate the structural durability of SSME critical components

NASA Lewis Research Center is currently developing probabilistic structural analysis methods for select Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) structural components. Briefly, the deterministic, three-dimensional, inelastic analysis methodology developed under the Hot Section Technology (HOST) and R and T Base Programs is being augmented to accommodate the complex probabilistic loading spectra, the thermoviscoplastic material behavior, and the material degradation associated with the environment of space propulsion system structural components representative of the SSME such as turbine blades, transfer ducts, and liquid-oxygen posts. The development of probabilistic structural analysis methodology consists of the following program elements: (1) composite load spectra; (2) probabilistic structural analysis methods; (3) probabilistic finite element theory - new variational principles; and (4) probabilistic structural analysis application. In addition, the program includes deterministic analysis elements: (1) development of structural tailoring computer codes (SSME/STAEBL); (2) development of dynamic creep buckling/ratcheting theory; (3) evaluation of the dynamic characteristics of single-crystal SSME blades; (4) development of SSME blade damper technology; and (5) development of integrated boundary elements for hotfluid structure interaction.

Chamis, Christos C.↗

Dynamic delamination buckling in composite laminates under impact loading: Computational simulation

A unique dynamic delamination buckling and delamination propagation analysis capability has been developed and incorporated into a finite element computer program. This capability consists of the following: (1) a modification of the direct time integration solution sequence which provides a new analysis algorithm that can be used to predict delamination buckling in a laminate subjected to dynamic loading, and (2) a new method of modeling the composite laminate using plate bending elements and multipoint constraints. This computer program is used to predict both impact induced buckling in composite laminates with initial delaminations and the strain energy release rate due to extension of the delamination. It is shown that delaminations near the outer surface of a laminate are susceptible to local buckling and buckling-induced delamination propagation when the laminate is subjected to transverse impact loading. The capability now exists to predict the time at which the onset of dynamic delamination buckling occurs, the dynamic buckling mode shape, and the dynamic delamination strain energy release rate.

Grady, Joseph E.↗

Probabilistic structural analysis to quantify uncertainties associated with turbopump blades

A probabilistic study of turbopump blades has been in progress at NASA Lewis Research Center for over the last two years. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the effects of uncertainties in geometry and material properties on the structural response of the turbopump blades to evaluate the tolerance limits on the design. A methodology based on probabilistic approach has been developed to quantify the effects of the random uncertainties. The results of this study indicate that only the variations in geometry have significant effects.

Nagpal, Vinod K.↗

Advances in 3-D Inelastic Analysis Methods for hot section components

3-D Inelastic Analysis Methods are described. These methods consist of a series of new computer codes embodying a progression of mathematical models (mechanics of materials, specialty finite element, boundary element) for streamlined analysis of: (1) combustor liners, (2) turbine blades, and (3) turbine vanes. These models address the effects of high temperatures and thermal/mechanical loadings on the local (stress/strain) and global (dynamics, buckling) structural behavior of the three selected components. Three computer codes, referred to as MOMM (Mechanics of Materials Model), MHOST (MARC-Hot Section Technology), and BEST (Boundary Element Stress Technology), have been developed and are briefly described in this paper.

Chamis, Christos C.↗

Composite mechanics for engine structures

Recent research activities and accomplishments at Lewis Research Center on composite mechanics for engine structures are summarized. The activities focused mainly on developing procedures for the computational simulation of composite intrinsic and structural behavior. The computational simulation encompasses all aspects of composite mechanics, advanced three-dimensional finite-element methods, damage tolerance, composite structural and dynamic response, and structural tailoring and optimization.

Chamis, Christos C.↗

Fiber composite structural durability and damage tolerance: Simplified predictive methods

Simplified predictive methods and models (theory) to evaluate fiber/polymer-matrix composite material for determining structural durability and damage tolerance are presented and described. This theory includes equations for (1) fatigue and fracture of composites without and with defects, (2) impact resistance and residual strength after impact, (3) thermal fatigue, and (4) combined stress fatigue. Several examples are included to illustrate applications of the theory and to identify significant parameters and sensitivities. Comparisons with limited experimental data are made.

Chamis, Christos C.↗

Fracture characteristics of angleplied laminates fabricated from overaged graphite/epoxy prepreg

A series of angleplied graphite/epoxy laminates was fabricated from overaged prepreg and tested in tension to investigate the effects of overaged or advanced cure material on the degradation of laminate strength. Results, which include fracture stresses, indicate a severe degradation in strength. In addition, the fracture surfaces and microstructural characteristics are distinctly unlike any features observed in previous tests of this prepreg and laminate configuration. Photographs of the surfaces and microstructures reveal flat morphologies consisting of alternate rows of fibers and hackles. These fracture surface characteristics are independent of the laminate configurations. The photomicrographs are presented and compared with data from similar studies to show the unique characteristics produced by the overage prepreg. Analytical studies produced results which agreed with those from the experimental investigations.

Ginty, Carol A.↗

Simplified composite micromechanics for predicting microstresses

A unified set of composite micromechanics equations is summarized and described. This unified set is for predicting the ply microstresses when the ply stresses are known. The set consists of equations of simple form for predicting three-dimensional stresses (six each) in the matrix, fiber, and interface. Several numerical examples are included to illustrate use and computational effectiveness of the equations in this unified set. Numerical results from these examples are discussed with respect to their significance on microcrack formation and, therefore, damage initiation in fiber composites.

Chamis, Christos C.↗

Mechanics of Composite Materials: Past, Present and Future

Composite mechanics disciplines are presented and described at their various levels of sophistication and attendant scales of application. Correlation with experimental data is used as the prime discriminator between alternative methods and level of sophistication. Major emphasis is placed on: (1) where composite mechanics has been; (2) what it has accomplished; (3) where it is headed, based on present research activities; and (4) at the risk of being presumptuous, where it should be headed. The discussion is developed using selected, but typical examples of each composite mechanics discipline identifying degree of success, with respect to correlation with experimental data, and problems remaining. The discussion is centered about fiber/resin composites drawn mainly from the author's research activities/experience spanning two decades at Lewis.

Chamis, Christos C.↗