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King, J. A.

Publications and source records attributed to King, J. A..

Mechanical Properties of Graphene Nanoplatelet/Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Hybrid Composites: Multiscale Modeling and Experiments

Because of the relatively high specific mechanical properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composite materials, they are often used as structural components in aerospace applications. Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) can be added to the epoxy matrix to improve the overall mechanical properties of the composite. The resulting GNP/carbon fiber/epoxy hybrid composites have been studied using multiscale modeling to determine the influence of GNP volume fraction, epoxy crosslink density, and GNP dispersion on the mechanical performance. The hierarchical multiscale modeling approach developed herein includes Molecular Dynamics (MD) and micromechanical modeling, and it is validated with experimental testing of the same hybrid composite material system. The results indicate that the multiscale modeling approach is accurate and provides physical insight into the composite mechanical behavior. Also, the results quantify the substantial impact of GNP volume fraction and dispersion on the transverse mechanical properties of the hybrid composite, while the effect on the axial properties is shown to be insignificant.

molecular dynamics

Mechanical Properties of Graphene Nanoplatelet/Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Hybrid Composites: Multiscale Modeling and Experiments

Because of the relatively high specific mechanical properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composite materials, they are often used as structural components in aerospace applications. Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) can be added to the epoxy matrix to improve the overall mechanical properties of the composite. The resulting GNP/carbon fiber/epoxy hybrid composites have been studied using multiscale modeling to determine the influence of GNP volume fraction, epoxy crosslink density, and GNP dispersion on the mechanical performance. The hierarchical multiscale modeling approach developed herein includes Molecular Dynamics (MD) and micromechanical modeling, and it is validated with experimental testing of the same hybrid composite material system. The results indicate that the multiscale modeling approach is accurate and provides physical insight into the composite mechanical behavior. Also, the results quantify the substantial impact of GNP volume fraction and dispersion on the transverse mechanical properties of the hybrid composite while the effect on the axial properties is shown to be insignificant.

nanocomposites

Active structural control for the mini-MAST and ACES structures

Two experiments based on the maximum entropy/optimal projection design approach are discussed which were conducted by Harris Corporation as part of the NASA Controls Structures Interaction Guest Investigator program. The design equations consist of four coupled matrix equations which specialize to the standard linear-quadratic Guassian Riccati equations, when the plant is known perfectly and a full order controller is desired. These experiments demonstrate successful control system design and implementation for flexible structures.

Collins, E. G., Jr.

Low-speed inducers for cryogenic upper-stage engines

Two-phase, low-speed hydrogen and oxygen inducers driven by electric motors and applicable to the tug engine were designed and constructed. The oxygen inducer was tested in liquid and two-phase oxygen. Its head and flow performance were approximately as designed, and it was able to accelerate to full speed in 3 seconds and produce its design flow and head. The analysis of the two-phase data indicated that the inducer was able to pump with vapor volume fractions in excess of 60 percent. The pump met all of its requirements (duration of runs and number of starts) to demonstrate its mechanical integrity.

Bissell, W. R.

Low speed inducers for cryogenic upper stages

Briefing charts are presented, which were used in an oral presentation of the results and recommendations for the design and analysis of low speed hydrogen and oxygen inducers and their drive systems applicable to the space tug. A discussion of the design of the 15K and RL-10 inducers is included.

King, J. A.

Design of inducers for two-phase operation

A mathematical model and a digital computer program were developed for the design and evaluation of inducers for pumping two-phase oxygen. The mathematical model indicated that any design would have to be run at relatively low speeds to pump two-phase oxygen and that the J-2S oxygen inducer was close to optimum and should perform the task. A J-2S pump was built up and tested in two-phase oxygen at speeds indicated by the mathematical model. The pump was able to handle two-phase oxygen over a wide range of inducer incidence angles and up to a vapor content of 37 percent by volume with very little loss in head. The pump was still able to produce some head at vapor fractions approaching 60 percent.

King, J. A.

Two phase flow LH2 pump inducers

Design, performance characteristics and testing of two-phase hydrogen pump inducer for use in future spacecraft systems

King, J. A.