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At least 235 records · Page 13

Second Annual Report on Development of Microwave Resonant Cavity Transducer for Fluid Flow Sensing

We are investigating a microwave resonant cavity transducer for flow sensing in the vessel of a high temperature fluid advanced reactor (AR), such as a molten salt cooled reactor (MSCR) or a sodium fast reactor (SFR). This transducer is a hollow metallic cylindrical cavity, with the flat wall of the cylinder flexible enough to undergo microscopic deflection due to dynamic fluid pressure. Membrane deflection leads to a shift in the resonant frequency, which can be detected with a spectrum analyzer. Because the transducer is intended for immersion in a high temperature corrosive fluid, understanding of material degradation is crucial for estimation of transducer performance lifetime, and development of measurement interpretation algorithms. We conducted a preliminary computational investigation of relevant damage mechanisms of a stainless steel 316 cylindrical resonator in FLiBe salt. The two main damage mechanisms, creep and corrosion, were modeled using multiphysics COMSOL software. Degradation was modeled for a temperature range 500°C to 700°C. Coupling of the damage mechanisms was not considered. These models predict significant inelastic deformation at most temperatures due to creep, and qualitatively predict chromium depletion both along the liquid/solid interface and along the grain boundaries. An algorithmic approach for compensation of these degradation effects during fluid flow measurements will be developed in the future work. To validate sensor physics, we have performed proof-of-principle test of flow sensing in water. For this test, we have developed a cylindrical resonator for K-band, which was machined from brass. The cavity was excited through WR-42 waveguide through a subwavelength hole on the side of the wall of the cylinder. To increase the spectral signal visibility, we developed a signal processing method for baseline subtraction. A flow loop for proof-of-principle test of transducer performance in water was assembled. A commercial flow meter was installed in the loop for reference measurements. Cylindrical cavity was excited in the TE 011 mode with resonant frequency f ≈ 17.8GHz. Frequency shift of cavity spectral response was obtained by gradually increasing water flow rate from 0 to 60gpm. Corresponding monotonic increase of resonant frequency shift by several MHz was observed. Approximate figure of merit of sensitivity to flow rate is 100KHz/GPM. In addition, we have identified an existing liquid sodium experimental setup for demonstration of flow sensing in environment similar to that of an advanced reactor. The setup consists of a cylindrical vessel and center feed line, where transducer inserted through the lid will measure velocity of the impinging liquid jet. As a calibration experiment, we have assembled a water vessel with center feed with the same dimensions as those of the liquid sodium setup. We have also developed and insertion probe consisting of a 50cm brass waveguide enclosed in protective SS316 tube. Using the water loop, we have demonstrated feasibility of sensing the impinging liquid jet in the vessel.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

The viscoelastic response of a graphite/epoxy laminate

An accelerated characterization procedure has been developed for time-dependent compliances and strengths of resin-matrix composites. The procedure, which is based on a time-temperature-stress superposition principle, is applied to a graphite/epoxy laminate T300/934. Creep rupture analytical models are discussed, and model predictions are compared with experimental data. Master curves for the creep compliances are given.

Brinson, H. F.↗

Hodographic approach to predicting inelastic strain at high temperature

An experimental study of the effect of continuous and discontinuous changes in strain rate on the relationship among strain rate, strain, and stress is described. Data from Udimet 700 in tension at 925 C were used in order to relate cyclic tensile creep to the monotonic properties of the material by means of the hodograph. The nature of modifications caused to the hodograph by discontinuous variation of the strain rate was determined from tests. Reloading at discontinuous strain rate caused reactivation of primary creep. A simple method, based on monotonic material properties, is proposed for predicting cyclic tensile creep response. Preliminary results of cyclic tests agree with predicted response.

Berkovits, A.↗

A creep model for metallic composites based on matrix testing: Application to Kanthal composites

An anisotropic creep model is formulated for metallic composites with strong fibers and low to moderate fiber volume percent (less than 40 percent). The idealization admits no creep in the local fiber direction and assumes equal creep strength in longitudinal and transverse shear. Identification of the matrix behavior with that of the isotropic limit of the theory permits characterization of the composite through uniaxial creep tests on the matrix material. Constant and step-wise creep tests are required as a data base. The model provides an upper bound on the transverse creep strength of a composite having strong fibers embedded in a particular matrix material. Comparison of the measured transverse strength with the upper bound gives an assessment of the integrity of the composite. Application is made to a Kanthal composite, a model high-temperature composite system. Predictions are made of the creep response of fiber reinforced Kanthal tubes under interior pressure.

Binienda, W. K.↗

Finite element elastic-plastic-creep and cyclic life analysis of a cowl lip

Results are presented of elastic, elastic-plastic, and elastic-plastic-creep analyses of a test-rig component of an actively cooled cowl lip. A cowl lip is part of the leading edge of an engine inlet of proposed hypersonic aircraft and is subject to severe thermal loadings and gradients during flight. Values of stresses calculated by elastic analysis are well above the yield strength of the cowl lip material. Such values are highly unrealistic, and thus elastic stress analyses are inappropriate. The inelastic (elastic-plastic and elastic-plastic-creep) analyses produce more reasonable and acceptable stress and strain distributions in the component. Finally, using the results from these analyses, predictions are made for the cyclic crack initiation life of a cowl lip. A comparison of predicted cyclic lives shows the cyclic life prediction from the elastic-plastic-creep analysis to be the lowest and, hence, most realistic.

Arya, Vinod K.↗

Finite element elastic-plastic-creep and cyclic life analysis of a cowl lip

Results are presented of elastic, elastic-plastic and elastic-plastic-creep analyses of a test-rig component of an actively cooled cowl lip. A cowl lip is part of the leading edge of an engine inlet of proposed hypersonic aircraft and is subject to severe thermal loadings and gradients during flight. Values of stresses calculated by elastic analysis are well above the yield strength of the cowl lip material. Such values are highly unrealistic, and thus elastic stress analyses are inappropriate. The inelastic (elastic-plastic and elastic-plastic-creep) analyses produce more reasonable and acceptable stress and strain distributions in the component. Finally, using the results from these analyses, predictions are made for the cyclic crack initiation life of a cowl lip. A comparison of predicted cyclic lives shows the cyclic life prediction from the elastic-plastic-creep analysis to be the lowest and, hence, most realistic.

Arya, V. K.↗

Calibration and modification of the constitutive model for the mechanical response of P91

The objective of this first milestone was to calibrate and if necessary, modify a constitutive model predicting the primary and secondary creep response of P91. The overall path to be followed consists of first calibrating this constitutive model against experimental data available from the literature (this milestone). In parallel, data acquired by indentation tests will be used to calibrate the model (this involves transforming the indentation data into equivalent uniaxial tests). An overall comparison of model parameters will allow assessing to what extent these rapid tests can be used to calibrate models predicting the overall mechanical response of the bulk. Given that COVID naturally hindered the gathering of new experimental data, the choice was made to ensure that LANL would have sufficient funds in year two to perform the bulk of the new calibration work. The following report details (i) how and which of the bulk experimental data was selected, (ii) constitutive model formulation, (iii) predictions of the constitutive model: effects of imposed stress, temperature and precipitate content, (iv) future work.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Effect of creep in titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V at elevated temperature on aircraft design and flight test

Short-term compressive creep tests were conducted on three titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V coupons at three different stress levels at a temperature of 714 K (825 F). The test data were compared to several creep laws developed from tensile creep tests of available literature. The short-term creep test data did not correlate well with any of the creep laws obtained from available literature. The creep laws themselves did not correlate well with each other. Short-term creep does not appear to be very predictable for titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V. Aircraft events that result in extreme, but short-term temperature and stress excursions for this alloy should be approached cautiously. Extrapolations of test data and creep laws suggest a convergence toward predictability in the longer-term situation.

Jenkins, J. M.↗

Preliminary investigation of the compressive strength and creep lifetime of 2024-T3 (formerly 24S-T3) aluminum-alloy plates at elevated temperatures

The results of elevated-temperature compressive strength and creep tests of 2024-T3 (formerly 23S-T3) aluminum-alloy plates supported in V-grooves are presented. For determining elevated-temperature strength, where creep effects are negligible, a relation previously developed for predicting plate compressive strength at room temperature was satisfactory. Creep-lifetime results are presented for the plates in the form of master creep-lifetime curves by using a time-temperature parameter that is convenient for summarizing tensile creep-rupture data. A comparison is made between tensile and compressive creep lifetime for the plates, and the magnitude by which the design stress is decreased because of material creep and loss of strength due to exposure at elevated temperatures is indicated.

Mathauser, Eldon E↗

Data requirements to model creep in 9Cr-1Mo-V steel

Models for creep behavior are helpful in predicting response of components experiencing stress redistributions due to cyclic loads, and often the analyst would like information that correlates strain rate with history assuming simple hardening rules such as those based on time or strain. On the one hand, much progress has been made in the development of unified constitutive equations that include both hardening and softening through the introduction of state variables whose evolutions are history dependent. Although it is difficult to estimate specific data requirements for general application, there are several simple measurements that can be made in the course of creep testing and results reported in data bases. The issue is whether or not such data could be helpful in developing unified equations, and, if so, how should such data be reported. Data produced on a martensitic 9Cr-1Mo-V-Nb steel were examined with these issues in mind.

Swindeman, R. W.↗

Creep-Fatigue Interaction Testing

Fatigue fives in metals are nominally time independent below 0.5 T(sub Melt). At higher temperatures, fatigue lives are altered due to time-dependent, thermally activated creep. Conversely, creep rates are altered by super. imposed fatigue loading. Creep and fatigue generally interact synergistically to reduce material lifetime. Their interaction, therefore, is of importance to structural durability of high-temperature structures such as nuclear reactors, reusable rocket engines, gas turbine engines, terrestrial steam turbines, pressure vessel and piping components, casting dies, molds for plastics, and pollution control devices. Safety and lifecycle costs force designers to quantify these interactions. Analytical and experimental approaches to creep-fatigue began in the era following World War II. In this article experimental and life prediction approaches are reviewed for assessing creep-fatigue interactions of metallic materials. Mechanistic models are also discussed briefly.

Halford, Gary R.↗

Predicting Lifetime of a Thermomechanically Loaded Component

NASALIFE is a computer program for predicting the lifetime, as affected by low cycle fatigue (LCF) and creep rupture, of a structural component subject to temporally varying, multiaxial thermomechanical loads. The component could be, for example, part of an aircraft turbine engine. Empirical data from LCF tests, creep rupture tests, and static tensile tests are used as references for predicting the number of missions the component can withstand under a given thermomechanical loading condition. The user prepares an input file containing the creep-rupture and cyclic-fatigue information, temperature-dependent material properties, and mission loading and control flags. The creep rupture information can be entered in tabular form as stress versus life or by means of parameters of the Larson-Miller equation. The program uses the Walker mean-stress model to adjust predicted life for ranges of the ratio between the maximum and minimum stresses. Data representing complex load cycles are reduced by the rainflow counting method. Miner's rule is utilized to combine the damage at different load levels. Finally, the program determines the total damage due to creep and combines it with the fatigue damage due to the cyclic loading and predicts the approximate number of missions a component can endure before failing.

Murthy, Pappu L. N.↗

High-temperature fatigue in metals

The presentation focuses primarily on the progress we at NASA Lewis Research Center have made. The understanding of the phenomenological processes of high temperature fatigue of metals for the purpose of calculating lives of turbine engine hot section components is discussed. Improved understanding resulted in the development of accurate and physically correct life prediction methods such as Strain-Range Partitioning for calculating creep fatigue interactions and the Double Linear Damage Rule for predicting potentially severe interactions between high and low cycle fatigue. Examples of other life prediction methods are also discussed.

Gary R. Halford↗

High-temperature fatigue in metals - A brief review of life prediction methods developed at the Lewis Research Center of NASA

The presentation focuses primarily on the progress we at NASA Lewis Research Center have made. The understanding of the phenomenological processes of high temperature fatigue of metals for the purpose of calculating lives of turbine engine hot section components is discussed. Improved understanding resulted in the development of accurate and physically correct life prediction methods such as Strain-Range partitioning for calculating creep fatigue interactions and the Double Linear Damage Rule for predicting potentially severe interactions between high and low cycle fatigue. Examples of other life prediction methods are also discussed. Previously announced in STAR as A83-12159

Halford, G. R.↗

Creep Life of Ceramic Components Using a Finite-Element-Based Integrated Design Program (CARES/CREEP)

The desirable properties of ceramics at high temperatures have generated interest in their use for structural application such as in advanced turbine engine systems. Design lives for such systems can exceed 10,000 hours. The long life requirement necessitates subjecting the components to relatively low stresses. The combination of high temperatures and low stresses typically places failure for monolithic ceramics in the creep regime. The objective of this paper is to present a design methodology for predicting the lifetimes of structural components subjected to creep rupture conditions. This methodology utilizes commercially available finite element packages and takes into account the time-varying creep strain distributions (stress relaxation). The creep life, of a component is discretized into short time steps, during which the stress and strain distributions are assumed constant. The damage is calculated for each time step based on a modified Monkman-Grant creep rupture criterion. Failure is assumed to occur when the normalized accumulated damage at any point in the component is greater than or equal to unity. The corresponding time will be the creep rupture life for that component. Examples are chosen to demonstrate the Ceramics Analysis and Reliability Evaluation of Structures/CREEP (CARES/CREEP) integrated design program, which is written for the ANSYS finite element package. Depending on the component size and loading conditions, it was found that in real structures one of two competing failure modes (creep or slow crack growth) will dominate. Applications to benchmark problems and engine components are included.

Powers, L. M.↗

Creep Life of Ceramic Components Using a Finite-Element-Based Integrated Design Program (CARES/CREEP)

The desirable properties of ceramics at high temperatures have generated interest in their use for structural applications such as in advanced turbine systems. Design lives for such systems can exceed 10,000 hours. The long life requirement necessitates subjecting the components to relatively low stresses. The combination of high temperatures and low stresses typically places failure for monolithic ceramics in the creep regime. The objective of this paper is to present a design methodology for predicting the lifetimes of structural components subjected to creep rupture conditions. This methodology utilized commercially available finite element packages and takes into account the time-varying creep strain distributions (stress relaxation). The creep life of a component is discretized into short time steps, during which the stress and strain distributions are assumed constant. The damage is calculated for each time step based on a modified Monkman-Grant creep rupture criterion. Failure is assumed to occur when the normalized accumulated damage at any point in the component is greater than or equal to unity. The corresponding time will be the creep rupture life for that component. Examples are chosen to demonstrate the CARES/CREEP (Ceramics Analysis and Reliability Evaluation of Structures/CREEP) integrated design programs, which is written for the ANSYS finite element package. Depending on the component size and loading conditions, it was found that in real structures one of two competing failure modes (creep or slow crack growth) will dominate. Applications to benechmark problems and engine components are included.

Gyekenyesi, J. P.↗

Surrogate Model Integration with MOOSE XFEM for Creep Crack Growth

Ferritic-martensitic steels are key structural materials for advanced reactors but experience time-dependent deformation and damage under prolonged high temperature and irradiation, leading to creep-driven crack initiation and growth. High-fidelity models—crystal plasticity with irradiation mechanisms, phase-field for microstructural evolution, and continuum-damage viscoplasticity—capture the underlying physics but are too computationally intensive for broad design-space exploration and uncertainty quantification. This milestone advances a scalable alternative by integrating a microstructure-sensitive surrogate creep model into the Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) finite element framework and extending it to fracture via the extended finite element method (XFEM). The surrogate model, developed with collaborators at Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories, maps relevant microstructural descriptors to the viscoplastic response of HT9. We embed this surrogate within a coupled deformation-damage workflow in MOOSE/XFEM to simulate creep-driven crack initiation and propagation. Implementation enhancements include updates to the material interface, a plastic correction phase involving microstructure evolution, and fracture criteria to ensure numerical robustness and compatibility with the surrogate structure. Demonstrations on canonical creep benchmarks spanning uniaxial and multiaxial states show that the surrogate reproduces key trends of high-fidelity models while substantially reducing computational cost. The resulting capability bridges physics fidelity and performance, providing a practical path to a predictive, microstructure-aware assessment of creep and fracture in reactor materials.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Environmental effects and viscoelastic behavior of laminated graphite/epoxy composites

Primarily because of the polymeric matrix, graphite/epoxy composites are viscoelastic materials which exhibit creep and delayed failures. Guided by the time-temperature superposition principle, the authors are developing accelerated characterization techniques to predict the long term compliance behavior and creep rupture strength of composite materials based on short term tests at elevated temperatures. The effect of a post-cure cycle on the compliance and creep rupture strength of composite materials is discussed. The Zhurkov type failure law is applied to experimental creep rupture data of a typical laminate and is shown to correlate the data. A beneficial mechanical strengthening effect is described which significantly affects the failure strengths of specimens which have been under creep loading for a period of time. This aging effect is reversible if the specimen is allowed to recover before being loaded to failure. Other environmental aspects of composite materials are also reviewed.

Dillard, D. A.↗