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At least 199 records · Page 11

An evaluation of the sandwich beam in four-point bending as a compressive test method for composites

The experimental phase of the study included compressive tests on HTS/PMR-15 graphite/polyimide, 2024-T3 aluminum alloy, and 5052 aluminum honeycomb at room temperature, and tensile tests on graphite/polyimide at room temperature, -157 C, and 316 C. Elastic properties and strength data are presented for three laminates. The room temperature elastic properties were generally found to differ in tension and compression with Young's modulus values differing by as much as twenty-six percent. The effect of temperature on modulus and strength was shown to be laminate dependent. A three-dimensional finite element analysis predicted an essentially uniform, uniaxial compressive stress state in the top flange test section of the sandwich beam. In conclusion, the sandwich beam can be used to obtain accurate, reliable Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio data for advanced composites; however, the ultimate compressive stress for some laminates may be influenced by the specimen geometry.

Shuart, M. J.↗

Residual flexibility test method for verification of constrained structural models

A method is presented for deriving constrained modes and frequencies from a model correlated to a set of free-free test modes and a set of measured residual flexibilities. The method involves a simple modification of the MacNeal and Rubin component mode representation to allow verification of a constrained structural model. Results for two spaceflight structures show quick convergence of constrained modes using an easily measurable set of free-free modes plus the residual flexibility matrix or its boundary partition. This paper further validates the residual flexibility approach as an alternative test/analysis method when fixed-base testing proves impractical.

Admire, John R.↗

Two self-test methods applied to an inertial system problem

The paper describes two self-test procedures applied to the problem of estimating the biases in accelerometers and gyroscopes on an inertial platform. The first technique is the weighted sum-squared residual (WSSR) test, with which accelerator bias jumps are easily isolated, but gyro bias jumps are difficult to isolate. The WSSR method does not take full advantage of the knowledge of system dynamics. The other technique is a multiple hypothesis method developed by Buxbaum and Haddad (1969). It has the advantage of directly providing jump isolation information, but suffers from computational problems. It might be possible to use the WSSR to detect state jumps and then switch to the BH system for jump isolation and estimate compensation.

Willsky, A. S.↗

A harmonic pulse testing method for leakage detection in deep subsurface storage formations

Abstract Detection of leakage in deep geologic storage formations (e.g., carbon sequestration sites) is a challenging problem. This study investigates an easy‐to‐implement frequency domain leakage detection technology based on harmonic pulse testing (HPT). Unlike conventional constant‐rate pressure interference tests, HPT stimulates a reservoir using periodic injection rates. The fundamental principle underlying HPT‐based leakage detection is that leakage modifies a storage system's frequency response function, thus providing clues of system malfunction. During operations, routine HPTs can be conducted at multiple pulsing frequencies to obtain experimental frequency response functions, using which the possible time‐lapse changes are examined. In this work, a set of analytical frequency response solutions is derived for predicting system responses with and without leaks for single‐phase flow systems. Sensitivity studies show that HPT can effectively reveal the presence of leaks. A search procedure is then prescribed for locating the actual leaks using amplitude and phase information obtained from HPT, and the resulting optimization problem is solved using the genetic algorithm. For multiphase flows, the applicability of HPT‐based leakage detection procedure is exemplified numerically using a carbon sequestration problem. Results show that the detection procedure is applicable if the average reservoir conditions in the testing zone stay relatively constant during the tests, which is a working assumption under many other interpretation methods for pressure interference tests. HPT is a cost‐effective tool that only requires periodic modification of the nominal injection rate. Thus it can be incorporated into existing monitoring plans with little additional investment.

Sun, Alexander Y.↗

Fracture Test Methods for Plastically Responding COPV Liners

An experimental procedure for evaluating the validity of using uniaxial tests to provide a conservative bound on the fatigue crack growth rate behavior small cracks in bi-axially loaded Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel (COPV) liners is described. The experimental procedure included the use of a laser notch to quickly generate small surface fatigue cracks with the desired size and aspect ratios. An out-of-plane constraint system was designed to allow fully reversed, fully plastic testing of thin sheet uniaxial coupons. Finally, a method was developed to determine to initiate small cracks in the liner of COPVs.

Dawicke, David S.↗

Virtex-II Pro SEE Test Methods and Results

The objective of this coarse Single Event Effect (SEE) test is to determine the suitability of the commercial Virtex-II Pro family for use in spaceflight applications. To this end, this test is primarily intended to determine any Singe Event Latchup (SEL) susceptibilities for these devices. Secondly, this test is intended to measure the level of Single Event Upset (SEU) susceptibilities and in a general sense where they occur. The coarse SEE test was performed on a commercial XC2VP7 device, a relatively small single processor version of the Virtex-II Pro. As the XC2VP7 shares the same functional block design and fabrication process with the larger Virtex-II Pro devices, the results of this test should also be applicable to the larger devices. The XC2VP7 device was tested on a commercial Virtex-II Pro development board. The testing was performed at the Cyclotron laboratories at Texas A&M and Michigan State Universities using ions of varying energy levels and fluences.

Petrick, David↗

On the Use of Accelerated Test Methods for Characterization of Advanced Composite Materials

A rational approach to the problem of accelerated testing for material characterization of advanced polymer matrix composites is discussed. The experimental and analytical methods provided should be viewed as a set of tools useful in the screening of material systems for long-term engineering properties in aerospace applications. Consideration is given to long-term exposure in extreme environments that include elevated temperature, reduced temperature, moisture, oxygen, and mechanical load. Analytical formulations useful for predictive models that are based on the principles of time-based superposition are presented. The need for reproducible mechanisms, indicator properties, and real-time data are outlined as well as the methodologies for determining specific aging mechanisms.

Gates, Thomas S.↗

Corrosion Testing Trade Study on Testing Methods in Molten Salts

In assessing molten salt compatibility with structural materials, static testing is often reported because it is easy to conduct. However, in order to assess mass transfer, where material dissolves in the salt in the hot section and may precipitate out of the liquid in colder regions, a flowing salt experiment in a temperature gradient is needed. While a forced convection or pumped loop produces prototypic flowing conditions, it also is a multi-million dollar investment. Among the less expensive dynamic testing options, the thermal convection loop (TCL) was favored during the 1960’s development of molten salt reactor technology. Because the workforce and core facilities are currently available to conduct TCL experiments, it is the least expensive strategy to evaluate candidate structural alloys in flowing molten salt conditions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Test methods and results of the 10-cell bipolar Ni-H2 battery

Characterization tests were carried out at three charge levels and four discharge levels. The "c' or capacity of the battery is designated at 6.5 ampere-hours. The recharge ampere-hours was the same for all test conditions, 6.5 A-H, regardless of the discharge capacity removed for any particular discharge rate. Less capacity can be removed at higher discharge rates to the same termination voltage, which was 0.50 volts for the weakest (lowest voltage) cell. The general trend of efficiencies increases as the charge rate increases as noted in results of the table included in the handout package. The data also indicate the efficiency increases as the discharge rate decreases. This is true; however, efficiencies at the discharge rates of c and 2c are penalized because these cycles received more overcharge than necessary.

Cataldo, R.↗

SU-E-T-19: A New End-To-End Test Method for ExacTrac for Radiation and Plan Isocenter Congruence

Purpose: To combine and integrate quality assurance (QA) of target localization and radiation isocenter End to End (E2E) test of BrainLAB ExacTrac system, a new QA approach was devised using anthropomorphic head and neck phantom. This test insures the target localization as well as radiation isocenter congruence which is one step ahead the current ExacTrac QA procedures. Methods: The head and neck phantom typically used for CyberKnife E2E test was irradiated to the sphere target that was visible in CT-sim images. The CT-sim was performed using 1 mm thickness slice with helical scanning technique. The size of the sphere was 3-cm diameter and contoured as a target volume using iPlan V.4.5.2. A conformal arc plan was generated using MLC-based with 7 fields, and five of them were include couch rotations. The prescription dose was 5 Gy and 95% coverage to the target volume. For the irradiation, two Gafchromic films were perpendicularly inserted into the cube that hold sphere inside. The linac used for the irradiation was TrueBeam STx equipped with HD120 MLC. In order to use ExacTrac, infra-red head–array was used to correlate orthogonal X-ray images. Results: Using orthogonal X-rays of ExacTrac the phantom was positioned. For each field, phantom was check again with X-rays and re-positioned if necessary. After each setup using ExacTrac, the target was irradiated. The films were analyzed to determine the deviation of the radiation isocenter in all three dimensions: superior-inferior, left-right and anterior-posterior. The total combining error was found to be 0.76 mm ± 0.05 mm which was within sub-millimeter accuracy. Conclusion: Until now, E2E test for ExacTrac was separately implemented to test image localization and radiation isocenter. This new method can be used for periodic QA procedures.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

SRAM-based FPGA: high dose test methods using evaluation boards

We present low-cost and effective methods and results for high levels of Total Ionizing Dose testing performed on the Xilinx Kintex UltraScale (20nm) Field-Programmable Gate Array evaluation board using 60Co and 2 MeV electron sources.

Thorbourn, Dennis↗

Accelerated stress testing of thin film solar cells: Development of test methods and preliminary results

If thin film cells are to be considered a viable option for terrestrial power generation their reliability attributes will need to be explored and confidence in their stability obtained through accelerated testing. Development of a thin film accelerated test program will be more difficult than was the case for crystalline cells because of the monolithic construction nature of the cells. Specially constructed test samples will need to be fabricated, requiring committment to the concept of accelerated testing by the manufacturers. A new test schedule appropriate to thin film cells will need to be developed which will be different from that used in connection with crystalline cells. Preliminary work has been started to seek thin film schedule variations to two of the simplest tests: unbiased temperature and unbiased temperature humidity. Still to be examined are tests which involve the passage of current during temperature and/or humidity stress, either by biasing in the forward (or reverse) directions or by the application of light during stress. Investigation of these current (voltage) accelerated tests will involve development of methods of reliably contacting the thin conductive films during stress.

Lathrop, J. W.↗

In-Situ Testing Methods for Mixed-Mode Harsh Environments

Future NASA missions are driving a need for instrumentation and space electronics that will operate at extreme temperatures, with low mass and extended deployments. This need results in devices that will experience dose damage at both low and high temperatures that will suppress annealing and induce accelerated wear out issues. Therefore, the ability to perform radiation tests on devices at temperature is critical. This paper analyses the methods and process to enable these test as developed at the JPL Dynamitron Facility. Since electronics are the radiation source for this facility, the steps to ensure parity with cobalt-60 testing are discussed. Also discussed are the implications for system level testing and mixed radiation mode testing for highly integrated and scaled devices.

Scheick, Leif Z↗

Curved-flow, rolling-flow, and oscillatory pure-yawing wind-tunnel test methods for determination of dynamic stability derivatives

Dynamic stability derivatives are evaluated on the basis of rolling-flow, curved-flow and snaking tests. Attention is given to the hardware associated with curved-flow, rolling-flow and oscillatory pure-yawing wind-tunnel tests. It is found that the snaking technique, when combined with linear- and forced-oscillation methods, yields an important method for evaluating beta derivatives for current configurations at high angles of attack. Since the rolling flow model is fixed during testing, forced oscillations may be imparted to the model, permitting the measurement of damping and cross-derivatives. These results, when coupled with basic rolling-flow or rotary-balance data, yield a highly accurate mathematical model for studies of incipient spin and spin entry.

Chambers, J. R.↗

Investigation of test methods, material properties and processes for solar cell encapsulants

The goal of the program is to identify, test, evaluate and recommend encapsulation materials and processes for the fabrication of cost-effective and long life solar modules. Of the $18 (1948 $) per square meter allocated for the encapsulation components approximately 50% of the cost ($9/sq m) may be taken by the load bearing component. Due to the proportionally high cost of this element, lower costing materials were investigated. Wood based products were found to be the lowest costing structural materials for module construction, however, they require protection from rainwater and humidity in order to acquire dimensional stability. The cost of a wood product based substrate must, therefore, include raw material costs plus the cost of additional processing to impart hygroscopic inertness. This protection is provided by a two step, or split process in which a flexible laminate containing the cell string is prepared, first in a vacuum process and then adhesively attached with a back cover film to the hardboard in a subsequent step.

Willis, P. B.↗