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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1992

Finite Element Modeling of the Bulk Magnitization of Railroad Wheels to Improve Test Conditions for Magnetoacoustic Residual Stress Measurements

The magnetoacoustic measurement technique has been used successfully for residual stress measurements in laboratory samples. However, when used to field test samples with complex geometries, such as railroad wheels, the sensitivity of the method declines dramatically. It has been suggested that the decrease in performance may be due, in part, to an insufficient or nonuniform magnetic induction in the test sample. The purpose of this paper is to optimize the test conditions by using finite element modeling to predict the distribution of the induced bulk magnetization of railroad wheels. The results suggest that it is possible to obtain a sufficiently large and uniform bulk magnetization by altering the shape of the electromagnet used in the tests. Consequently, problems associated with bulk magnetization can be overcome, and should not prohibit the magnetoacoustic technique from being used to make residual stress measurements in railroad wheels. We begin by giving a brief overview of the magnetoacoustic technique as it applies to residual stress measurements of railroad wheels. We then define the finite element model used to predict the behavior of the current test configuration along with the nonlinear constitutive relations which we obtained experimentally through measurements on materials typically used to construct both railroad wheels and electromagnets. Finally, we show that by modifying the pole of the electromagnet it is possible to obtain a significantly more uniform bulk magnetization in the region of interest.

Fulton, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1987

An integrated finite element model of edge-delamination analysis for laminates due to tension, bending, and torsion loads

A two-dimensional finite-element model has been developed to calculate interlaminar stresses and strain energy release rates for the study of delamination in composite laminates subjected to various loads. This paper addresses the formulation, implementation, and verification of a suitable 'element for uniaxial tension, bending, and torsion', as well as parametric studies of the interlaminar stresses and strain energy release rates for various composite laminates. The study concentrates on establishing relationships of GI, GII, and GIII as functions of crack length and stacking sequence in laminates due to bending. Preliminary results of laminates subjected to torsional loads are included to increase the applicability and completeness of the present formulation.

Chan, W. S.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Finite Element Modeling of Electrochemical Polishing of Niobium in Hydrofluoric-Sulfuric Acid Electrolyte

Niobium (Nb) used in superconducting radio-frequency cavities requires smooth surface to achieve optimal performance. In this work, a finite element model that coupled electrochemistry, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics was developed to investigate the electrochemical polishing mechanisms of Nb, using experimentally measured polarization results of coupon samples as validations. The current and potential distribution, oxide growth kinetics of Nb in a complex cavity geometry was investigated as a function of temperature and coolant flow. A low temperature coolant with intermediate flow rate was found to reduce surface current and ensure oxide uniformity. These results could shed light on the design of future particle accelerators.

SRF accelerator cavity↗
NASA NTRS1990

Ground shake test of the UH-60A helicopter airframe and comparison with NASTRAN finite element model predictions

Sikorsky Aircraft, together with the other major helicopter airframe manufacturers, is engaged in a study to improve the use of finite element analysis to predict the dynamic behavior of helicopter airframes, under a rotorcraft structural dynamics program called DAMVIBS (Design Analysis Methods for VIBrationS), sponsored by the NASA-Langley. The test plan and test results are presented for a shake test of the UH-60A BLACK HAWK helicopter. A comparison is also presented of test results with results obtained from analysis using a NASTRAN finite element model.

Howland, G. R.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Finite Element Model Development For Aircraft Fuselage Structures

The ability to extend the valid frequency range for finite element based structural dynamic predictions using detailed models of the structural components and attachment interfaces is examined for several stiffened aircraft fuselage structures. This extended dynamic prediction capability is needed for the integration of mid-frequency noise control technology. Beam, plate and solid element models of the stiffener components are evaluated. Attachment models between the stiffener and panel skin range from a line along the rivets of the physical structure to a constraint over the entire contact surface. The finite element models are validated using experimental modal analysis results.

Buehrle, Ralph D.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Automated Probabilistic Finite Element Model Calibration Tool Based on Uncertainty Quantification and Machine Learning

Qualification and certification of safety critical parts is a hurdle to the adoption of metallic additively manufactured components for aerospace vehicle applications. Challenges include variability in part properties due to inconsistent defect distribution and microstructure. Understanding of the process through finite element modeling (FEM), and process control through in-situ monitoring, may result in significant improvements; however, solutions useful to manufacturers will require large volumes of data and automated data utilization. Toward this end, a generalizable automated FEM calibration paradigm is developed. This paradigm leverages existing and novel tools from machine learning and uncertainty quantification to enable the automatic calibration of FEMs without requiring prior knowledge of the model performance across input parameter space, including meshing and solver settings, which can require time consuming manual model probing or cause noisy and inconsistent predictions. The result is a probabilistic distribution of calibrated and validated FEM input parameters targeting measured data.

Additive manufacturing model calibration finite el↗
NASA NTRS1992

Animation of finite element models and results

This is not intended as a complete review of computer hardware and software that can be used for animation of finite element models and results, but is instead a demonstration of the benefits of visualization using selected hardware and software. The role of raw computational power, graphics speed, and the use of videotape are discussed.

Lipman, Robert R.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Finite Element Modeling of the Fiber-Matrix Interface in Polymer Composites

Polymer composites are used in numerous industries due to their high specific strength and high specific stiffness. Composites have markedly different properties than both the reinforcement and the matrix. Of the several factors that govern the final properties of the composite, the interface is an important factor that influences the stress transfer between the fiber and matrix. The present study is an effort to characterize and model the fiber-matrix interface in polymer matrix composites. Finite element models were developed to study the interfacial behavior during pull-out of a single fiber in continuous fiber-reinforced polymer composites. A three-dimensional (3D) unit-cell cohesive damage model (CDM) for the fiber/matrix interface debonding was employed to investigate the effect of interface/sizing coverage on the fiber. Furthermore, a two-dimensional (2D) axisymmetric model was used to (a) analyze the sensitivity of interface stiffness, interface strength, friction coefficient, and fiber length via a parametric study; and (b) study the shear stress distribution across the fiber-interface-matrix zone. It was determined that the force required to debond a single fiber from the matrix is three times higher if there is adequate distribution of the sizing on the fiber. The parametric study indicated that cohesive strength was the most influential factor in debonding. Moreover, the stress distribution model showed the debonding mechanism of the interface. It was observed that the interface debonded first from the matrix and remained in contact with the fiber even when the fiber was completely pulled out.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1992

Two-dimensional finite element model of the pultrusion process

Composite materials used in the fabrication of industrial products/components are under constant development. Applications vary widely from consumer products to high-performance aerospace components. The pultrusion process is one of the important methods of production of composite materials. In order to develop a fundamental understanding of this process, a computational model employing the finite element method is developed which enables a prediction of the material temperature and degree-of-cure at any time during the process. The model is comprehensive; it can readily be employed to perform parametric studies of the process and to aid in the development of efficient design procedures for this type of material system. Comparisons are made between model predictions and experimental results and good agreement is observed.

Hackett, Robert M.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Finite Element Modeling for Compression Strength Prediction of Honeycomb Cores with Geometric Imperfections Measured using X-ray CT Imaging

Aluminum honeycomb cores have been used extensively in composite sandwich panels due to having high bending rigidity while maintaining low density. During manufacturing of the aluminum honeycomb, the thin metal walls are susceptible to imperfections that deviate from an ideal honeycomb shape. Computational tools to quantify imperfections and investigate their effects on quasi-static compression and impact response can inform design criteria to construct safer and lighter launch vehicle structures. This paper presents the results of a study on finite element modeling of metallic honeycomb cores (HCC) with geometric imperfections measured using X-ray Computer Tomography (CT), to predict the compression response. Finite element (FE) models are constructed with measured imperfections with appropriate boundary conditions. It is shown that the average behavior of larger 10x11 cell models can be predicted by sampling single cell models from the larger domain. Amplification of imperfections for cells at the center of sampled specimens are mode switched from the larger out-of-plane imperfection to the mode shape of the adjacent cells resulting in strengthening of the center specimens.

aluminum honeycomb↗
NASA NTRS1987

Finite element modeling of electromagnetic propagation in composite structures

A finite element Galerkin formulation has been developed to study electromagnetic propagation in complex two-dimensional absorbing ducts. The reflection and transmission at entrance and exit boundaries are determined by coupling the finite element solutions at the entrance and exit to the eigenfunctions of an infinite uniform perfect conducting duct. Example solutions are presented for electromagnetic propagation with absorbing duct walls and propagating through dielectric-metallic matrix materials.

Baumeister, K. J.↗
DOE OSTI2014

Improved detection of rough defects for ultrasonic NDE inspections based on finite element modeling of elastic wave scattering

Defects which posses rough surfaces greatly affect ultrasonic wave scattering behaviour, often reducing the magnitude of reflected signals. Ultrasonic inspections rely upon this response for detecting and sizing flaws. For safety critical components reliable characterisation is crucial. Therefore, providing an accurate means to predict reductions in signal amplitude is essential. An extension of Kirchhoff theory has formed the basis for the UK power industry inspection justifications. However, it is widely recognised that these predictions are pessimistic owing to analytical approximations. A numerical full field modelling approach does not fall victim to such limitations. Here, a Finite Element model is used to aid in setting a non-conservative reporting threshold during the inspection of a large pressure vessel forging that might contain embedded rough defects. The ultrasonic response from multiple rough surfaces defined by the same statistical class is calculated for normal incident compression waves. The approach is validated by comparing coherent scattering with predictions made by Kirchhoff theory. At lower levels of roughness excellent agreement is observed, whilst higher values confirm the pessimism of Kirchhoff theory. Furthermore, the mean amplitude in the specular direction is calculated. This represents the information obtained during an inspection, indicating that reductions due to increasing roughness are significantly less than the coherent component currently being used.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS2010

Finite Element Model Calibration Approach for Ares I-X

Ares I-X is a pathfinder vehicle concept under development by NASA to demonstrate a new class of launch vehicles. Although this vehicle is essentially a shell of what the Ares I vehicle will be, efforts are underway to model and calibrate the analytical models before its maiden flight. Work reported in this document will summarize the model calibration approach used including uncertainty quantification of vehicle responses and the use of nonconventional boundary conditions during component testing. Since finite element modeling is the primary modeling tool, the calibration process uses these models, often developed by different groups, to assess model deficiencies and to update parameters to reconcile test with predictions. Data for two major component tests and the flight vehicle are presented along with the calibration results. For calibration, sensitivity analysis is conducted using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). To reduce the computational burden associated with ANOVA calculations, response surface models are used in lieu of computationally intensive finite element solutions. From the sensitivity studies, parameter importance is assessed as a function of frequency. In addition, the work presents an approach to evaluate the probability that a parameter set exists to reconcile test with analysis. Comparisons of pre-test predictions of frequency response uncertainty bounds with measured data, results from the variance-based sensitivity analysis, and results from component test models with calibrated boundary stiffness models are all presented.

Horta, Lucas G.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Finite element modeling and analysis of tires

Predicting the response of tires under various loading conditions using finite element technology is addressed. Some of the recent advances in finite element technology which have high potential for application to tire modeling problems are reviewed. The analysis and modeling needs for tires are identified. Reduction methods for large-scale nonlinear analysis, with particular emphasis on treatment of combined loads, displacement-dependent and nonconservative loadings; development of simple and efficient mixed finite element models for shell analysis, identification of equivalent mixed and purely displacement models, and determination of the advantages of using mixed models; and effective computational models for large-rotation nonlinear problems, based on a total Lagrangian description of the deformation are included.

Noor, A. K.↗
DOE OSTI2019

3-D Thermal-Electric Finite Element Model of a Nb 3 Sn Coil During a Quench

High field superconducting magnets for particle accelerators often exhibit premature quenches. Once a normal zone is generated within the conductor, the quench may propagate causing temperature and resistive voltage rise along the coil. The resulting thermal gradients can potentially cause new peak stresses that might exceed the tolerable limits, degrading the conductor. The computation of the strain state in the coils during quench then becomes of paramount importance for magnet design, and requires a complete three-dimensional (3-D) analysis of quench phenomena. The objective of this paper is to present the first multiphysics modeling activities towards a new full 3-D methodology for the analysis of magnet mechanics during quench. As a first step, a 3-D thermal-electric finite element model of a Nb 3 Sn superconducting coil is developed and explained here. The model uses direct coupled-field elements to solve the system of thermal and electrical equations. A solving algorithm has also been implemented in order to investigate the physics behind quench transients. The output from this model, built in ANSYS APDL, can be easily coupled in a later stage to a mechanical model in order to estimate the strain state in the coil windings. In conclusion, a very good agreement has been observed between the numerical results and experimental tests performed in individual superconducting cables and real superconducting magnets.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS2010

Finite Element Model Calibration Approach for Area I-X

Ares I-X is a pathfinder vehicle concept under development by NASA to demonstrate a new class of launch vehicles. Although this vehicle is essentially a shell of what the Ares I vehicle will be, efforts are underway to model and calibrate the analytical models before its maiden flight. Work reported in this document will summarize the model calibration approach used including uncertainty quantification of vehicle responses and the use of non-conventional boundary conditions during component testing. Since finite element modeling is the primary modeling tool, the calibration process uses these models, often developed by different groups, to assess model deficiencies and to update parameters to reconcile test with predictions. Data for two major component tests and the flight vehicle are presented along with the calibration results. For calibration, sensitivity analysis is conducted using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). To reduce the computational burden associated with ANOVA calculations, response surface models are used in lieu of computationally intensive finite element solutions. From the sensitivity studies, parameter importance is assessed as a function of frequency. In addition, the work presents an approach to evaluate the probability that a parameter set exists to reconcile test with analysis. Comparisons of pretest predictions of frequency response uncertainty bounds with measured data, results from the variance-based sensitivity analysis, and results from component test models with calibrated boundary stiffness models are all presented.

Horta, Lucas G.↗
DOE OSTI2017

Influence of thin-film metallic glass coating on fatigue behavior of bulk metallic glass: Experiments and finite element modeling

In this paper, a coating of the Zr-based thin-film metallic glass (TFMG) was deposited on the Zr 50 Cu 30 Al 10 Ni 10 bulk metallic glass (BMG) to investigate shear-band evolution under four-point-bend fatigue testing. The fatigue endurance-limit of the TFMG-coated samples is ~ 33% higher than that of the BMG. The results of finite-element modeling (FEM) revealed a delay in the shear-band nucleation and propagation in TFMG-coated samples under applied cyclic-loading. The FEM study of spherical indentation showed that the redistribution of stress by the TFMG coating prevents localized shear-banding in the BMG substrate. Finally, the enhanced fatigue characteristics of the BMG substrates can be attributed to the TFMG coatings retarding shear-band initiation at defects on the surface of the BMG.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1985

Nonlinear finite element models of laminated plates and shells

In this expository paper a first-order shear deformation laminate theory that accounts for the von Karman strains is described and its finite element model is developed. The element also accounts for Hill's elastic-perfectly plastic material model. Sample applications of the present element to linear and nonlinear bending of laminated plates and shells are presented. Numerical results showing the effects of boundary conditions, lamination scheme, and loading on the deflections and stresses are also presented. It is found that the effect of shear deformation and boundary conditions on deflections are significant.

Redddy, J. N.↗