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At least 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2011

Fracture in Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator

The thermal protection materials used for spacecraft heat shields are subjected to various thermal-mechanical loads during an atmospheric entry which can threaten the structural integrity of the system. This paper discusses the development of a novel technique to understand the failure mechanisms inside thermal protection materials. The focus of research is Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator (PICA). It has successfully flown on the Stardust spacecraft and is the TPS material chosen for the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) and Dragon spacecraft. Although PICA has good thermal properties, structurally, it is a weak material. In order to thoroughly understand failure in PICA, fracture tests were performed on FiberForm* (precursor of PICA), virgin and charred PICA materials. Several samples of these materials were tested to investigate failure mechanisms at a microstructural scale. Stress-strain data were obtained simultaneously to estimate the fracture toughness. It was found that cracks initiated and grew in the FiberForm when a critical stress limit was reached such that the carbon fibers separated from the binder. However, both for virgin and charred PICA, crack initiation and growth occurred in the matrix (phenolic) phase. Both virgin and charred PICA showed greater strength values compared to FiberForm coupons, confirming that the presence of the porous matrix helps in absorbing the fracture energy.

Agrawal, Parul↗
NASA NTRS2011

Fracture in Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator

The thermal protection materials used for spacecraft heat shields are subjected to various thermal-mechanical loads during an atmospheric reentry which can threaten the structural integrity of the system. This paper discusses the development of a novel technique to understand the failure mechanisms inside the thermal protection material, Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator (PICA). PICA has successfully flown on the Stardust spacecraft and was the TPS material chosen for the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), that will fly in 2011. Although PICA has good thermal properties, structurally, it is a weak material. To thoroughly understand failure in PICA, experiments were performed using FiberForm(Registered TradeMark) (precursor of PICA), virgin and furnace-charred PICA. Several small samples were tested inside an electron microscope to investigate the failure mechanisms. Micrographs were obtained before and after the failure in order to study crack initiation and growth. Videos were obtained to capture failure mechanisms in real time. Stress-strain data was obtained simultaneously for all the samples with the help of a data acquisition system, integrated to the mechanical stages. It was found that cracks initiated and grew in the FiberForm when a critical stress limit was reached such that the carbon fibers separated from the binder. However, both for virgin and charred PICA, crack initiation and growth occurred in the matrix (phenolic) phase. Both virgin and charred PICA showed greater strength values compared to FiberForm coupons, confirming that the presence of the porous matrix helps in absorbing the fracture energy.

Agrawal, Parul↗
NASA NTRS2016

Design Considerations for Thermally Insulating Structural Sandwich Panels for Hypersonic Vehicles

Simplified thermal/structural sizing equations were derived for the in-plane loading of a thermally insulating structural sandwich panel. Equations were developed for the strain in the inner and outer face sheets of a sandwich subjected to uniaxial mechanical loads and differences in face sheet temperatures. Simple equations describing situations with no viable solution were developed. Key design parameters, material properties, and design principles are identified. A numerical example illustrates using the equations for a preliminary feasibility assessment of various material combinations and an initial sizing for minimum mass of a sandwich panel.

Blosser, Max L.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Dynamic Characterization of Galfenol

A novel and precise characterization of the constitutive behavior of solid and laminated research-grade, polycrystalline Galfenol (Fe81:6Ga18:4) under under quasi-static (1 Hz) and dynamic (4 to 1000 Hz) stress loadings was recently conducted by the authors. This paper summarizes the characterization by focusing on the experimental design and the dynamic sensing response of the solid Galfenol specimen. Mechanical loads are applied using a high frequency load frame. The dynamic stress amplitude for minor and major loops is 2.88 and 31.4 MPa, respectively. Dynamic minor and major loops are measured for the bias condition resulting in maximum, quasi-static sensitivity. Three key sources of error in the dynamic measurements are accounted for: (1) electromagnetic noise in strain signals due to Galfenol's magnetic response, (2) error in load signals due to the inertial force of fixturing, and (3) time delays imposed by conditioning electronics. For dynamic characterization, strain error is kept below 1.2 % of full scale by wiring two collocated gauges in series (noise cancellation) and through lead wire weaving. Inertial force error is kept below 0.41 % by measuring the dynamic force in the specimen using a nearly collocated piezoelectric load washer. The phase response of all conditioning electronics is explicitly measured and corrected for. In general, as frequency increases, the sensing response becomes more linear due to an increase in eddy currents. The location of positive and negative saturation is the same at all frequencies. As frequency increases above about 100 Hz, the elbow in the strain versus stress response disappears as the active (soft) regime stiffens toward the passive (hard) regime.

Dynamic sensing↗
NASA NTRS2004

Buckling Behavior of Long Anisotropic Plates Subjected to Elastically Restrained Thermal Expansion and Contraction

An approach for synthesizing buckling results for thin balanced and unbalanced symmetric laminates that are subjected to uniform heating or cooling and elastically restrained against thermal expansion or contraction is presented. This approach uses a nondimensional analysis for infinitely long, flexural anisotropic plates that are subjected to combined mechanical loads. In addition, stiffness-weighted laminate thermal-expansion parameters and compliance coefficients are derived that are used to determine critical temperatures in terms of physically intuitive mechanical-buckling coefficients. Many results are presented for some common laminates that are intended to facilitate a structural designer s transition to the use of the generic buckling design curves. Several curves that illustrate the fundamental parameters used in the analysis are presented, for nine contemporary material systems, that provide physical insight into the buckling response in addition to providing useful design data. Examples are presented that demonstrate the use of the generic design curves.

Nemeth, Michael P.↗
NASA NTRS1999

The Effect of Spaceflight on Bone Cell Cultures

Understanding the response of bone to mechanical loading (unloading) is extremely important in defining the means of adaptation of the body to a variety of environmental conditions such as during heightened physical activity or in extended explorations of space or the sea floor. The mechanisms of the adaptive response of bone are not well defined, but undoubtedly they involve changes occurring at the cellular level of bone structure. This proposal has intended to examine the hypothesis that the loading (unloading) response of bone is mediated by specific cells through modifications of their activity cytoskeletal elements, and/or elaboration of their extracellular matrices. For this purpose, this laboratory has utilized the results of a number of previous studies defining molecular biological, biochemical, morphological, and ultrastructural events of the reproducible mineralization of a primary bone cell (osteoblast) culture system under normal loading (1G gravity level). These data and the culture system then were examined following the use of the cultures in two NASA shuttle flights, STS-59 and STS-63. The cells collected from each of the flights were compared to respective synchronous ground (1G) control cells examined as the flight samples were simultaneously analyzed and to other control cells maintained at 1G until the time of shuttle launch, at which point they were terminated and studied (defined as basal cells). Each of the cell cultures was assayed in terms of metabolic markers- gene expression; synthesis and secretion of collagen and non-collagenous proteins, including certain cytoskeletal components; assembly of collagen into macrostructural arrays- formation of mineral; and interaction of collagen and mineral crystals during calcification of the cultures. The work has utilized a combination of biochemical techniques (radiolabeling, electrophoresis, fluorography, Western and Northern Blotting, and light microscopic immunofluorescence) and structural methods (conventional and high voltage electron microscopy, inununocytochemistry, stereomicroscopy, and 3D image reconstruction). The studies have provided new knowledge of aspects of bone cell development and structural regulation, extracellular matrix assembly, and mineralization during spaceflight and under normal gravity. The information has contributed to insights into the means in general by which cells respond and adapt to different conditions of gravity (loading). The data may as well have suggested an underlying basis for the observed loss of bone by vertebrates, including man, in microgravity; and these scientific results may have implications for understanding bone loss following fracture healing and extended periods of inactivity such as during long-term bedrest.

Landis, William J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Thermal and mechanical behavior of metal matrix and ceramic matrix composites

The present conference discusses local stresses in metal-matrix composites (MMCs) subjected to thermal and mechanical loads, the computational simulation of high-temperature MMCs' cyclic behavior, an analysis of a ceramic-matrix composite (CMC) flexure specimen, and a plasticity analysis of fibrous composite laminates under thermomechanical loads. Also discussed are a comparison of methods for determining the fiber-matrix interface frictional stresses of CMCs, the monotonic and cyclic behavior of an SiC/calcium aluminosilicate CMC, the mechanical and thermal properties of an SiC particle-reinforced Al alloy MMC, the temperature-dependent tensile and shear response of a graphite-reinforced 6061 Al-alloy MMC, the fiber/matrix interface bonding strength of MMCs, and fatigue crack growth in an Al2O3 short fiber-reinforced Al-2Mg matrix MMC.

Kennedy, John M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Assessment of crack growth in a space shuttle main engine first-stage, high-pressure fuel turbopump blade

A two-dimensional finite element fracture mechanics analysis of a space shuttle main engine (SSME) turbine blade firtree was performed using the MARC finite element code. The analysis was conducted under combined effects of thermal and mechanical loads at steady-state conditions. Data from a typical engine stand cycle of the SSME were used to run a heat transfer analysis and, subsequently, a thermal structural fracture mechanics analysis. Temperature and stress contours for the firtree under these operating conditions were generated. High stresses were found at the firtree lobes where crack initiation was triggered. A life assessment of the firtree was done by assuming an initial and a final crack size.

Abdul-Aziz, Ali↗
NASA NTRS2019

Ionizing Radiation from Ex Vivo Sterilization Diminishes Fatigue but Not Static Murine Vertebral Body Mechanics

For a variety of medical and scientific reasons, human bones can be exposed to ionizing radiation. At relatively high doses (30,000±5,000 Gy), ex vivo ionizing radiation is commonly used to sterilize bone allografts. However, ionizing radiation in these applications has been shown to increase risk of fracture clinically and decrease bone quality. Previously, we observed a significant decrease in compressive static strength and fatigue life of ex vivo whole bones exposed to x-ray radiation at 17,000 Gy and above; no changes in compressive mechanical properties were observed for radiation doses of 1,000 Gy and below. The gap in doses between no mechanical change (1,000 Gy) and significant mechanical degradation (17,000 Gy) is large, and it is unclear at what dose mechanical integrity begins to diminish in whole bones, and if its effects differ in response to static versus cyclic mechanical loading. This is a major clinical concern, as trabecular and cortical bone allografts are commonly used in structural, load-bearing applications. To gain insight into the effect of ionizing radiation from 1,000-17,000 Gy, we conducted an ex vivo radiation study on the static and fatigue mechanical properties of the vertebral whole bone. Our objectives were to: (1) quantify the effect of exposure to ex vivo ionizing radiation on the mechanical integrity (compressive static and fatigue) of whole bones; and (2) evaluate, if there are observed differences in mechanics, if they differ in magnitude for static versus cyclic properties. The results of this study will give insight into the need for changes in protocols for bone allograft radiation sterilization procedures.

bone mechanics↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The Measurement of Shear Strain in Impact Ice Using a Modified Lap Joint Test and Digital Image Correlation

The results of ice adhesion testing efforts are typically quantified using the maximum shear stress sustained at the interface before the ice detaches from the underlying substrate. While this singular value can be useful for understanding the role icing wind tunnel conditions and substrate surface properties have on the strength of the ice-substrate interface, it does not capture the mechanical behavior of the ice during an experiment. To better understand the deformation of the ice sample and ice-substrate interface during testing, digital image correlation was applied to the lap-joint shear test methodology utilized at NASA Glenn Research Center. Preparation of the sample surface for digital image correlation, initial parsing of the correlation data, and the time synchronization of data from multiple sources are discussed. Using the directional components of deformation measured via digital image correlation, a novel approach to calculating the interfacial shear strain is presented. Results from analyzing several impact ice samples consistently reveals a non-linear response in the ice during mechanical loading which occurs prior to sample delamination, a behavior not observable in the force and displacement data gathered from the testing apparatus. Both the full and small angle forms of the engineering shear strain are evaluated, with the full shear strain form providing considerably lower noise levels. The transition of sample response from near the interface to the bulk behavior of the ice under shear loading is discussed with results from several samples being presented.

Ice adhesion↗
NASA NTRS1989

Traction-drive force transmission for telerobotic joints

A mechanism which meets the requirements of a teleoperated manipulator and those of an autonomous robot is discussed. The mechanism is a traction-drive differential that uses variable preload mechanisms. The differential provides compact design, with dextrous motion range and torque density similar to geared systems. The traction drive offers high stiffness to backlash for good robotic performance. The variable-loading mechanism (VLM) minimizes the drive-train friction for improved teleoperation. This combination provides a mechanism to allow advanced manipulation with either teleoperated control or autonomous robotic operation. The design principles of both major components of the joint mechanism are described.

Williams, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Traction-drive force transmission for telerobotic joints

The U.S. Space Station Program is providing many technological developments to meet the increasing demands of designing such a facility. One of the key areas of research is that of telerobotics for space station assembly and maintenance. Initial implementation will be teleoperated, but long-term plans call for autonomous robotics. One of the essential components for making this transition successful is the manipulator joints mechanism. Historically, teleoperated manipulators and industrial robotics have had very different mechanisms for force transmission. This is because the design objectives are almost mutually exclusive. A teleoperator must have very low friction and inertia to minimize operator fatigue; backlash and stiffness are of secondary concern. A robot, however, must have minimum backlash, and high stiffness for accurate and rapid positioning. A joint mechanism has yet to be developed that can optimize these divergent performance objectives. A joint mechanism that approaches this optimal performance was developed for NASA Langley, Automation Technology Branch. It is a traction-drive differential that uses variable preload mechanisms. The differential provides compact, dexterous motion range with a torque density similar to geared systems. The traction drive offers high stiffness and zero backlash, for good robotic performance, and the variable loading mechanism (VLM) minimizes the drive-train friction, for improved teleoperation.

Kuban, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Buckling Behavior of Long Anisotropic Plates Subjected to Fully Restrained Thermal Expansion

An approach for synthesizing buckling results and behavior for thin balanced and unbalanced symmetric laminates that are subjected to uniform heating or cooling and fully restrained against thermal expansion or contraction is presented. This approach uses a nondimensional analysis for infinitely long, flexurally anisotropic plates that are subjected to combined mechanical loads and is based on useful nondimensional parameters. In addition, stiffness-weighted laminate thermal-expansion parameters are derived that are used to determine critical temperatures in terms of physically intuitive mechanical buckling coefficients, and the effects of membrane orthotropy and membrane anisotropy are included. Many results are presented for some common laminates that are intended to facilitate a structural designer's transition to the use of the generic buckling design curves that are presented in the paper. Several generic buckling design curves are presented that provide physical insight into the buckling response in addition to providing useful design data. Examples are presented that demonstrate the use of the generic design curves. The analysis approach and generic results indicate the effects and characteristics of laminate thermal expansion, membrane orthotropy and anisotropy, and flexural orthotropy and anisotropy in a very general and unifying manner.

Nemeth, Michael P.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Buckling Behavior of Long Anisotropic Plates Subjected to Fully Restrained Thermal Expansion

An approach for synthesizing buckling results and behavior for thin, balanced and unbalanced symmetric laminates that are subjected to uniform heating or cooling and which are fully-restrained against thermal expansion or contraction is presented. This approach uses a nondimensional analysis for infinitely long, flexurally anisotropic plates that are subjected to combined mechanical loads and is based on useful nondimensional parameters. In addition, stiffness-weighted laminate thermal-expansion parameters are derived and used to determine critical temperature changes in terms of physically intuitive mechanical buckling coefficients. The effects of membrane orthotropy and anisotropy are included. Many results are presented for some common laminates that are intended to facilitate a structural designer's transition to the use of the generic buckling design curves that are presented in the paper. Several generic buckling design curves are presented that provide physical insight into buckling response and provide useful design data. Examples are presented that demonstrate the use of generic design curves. The analysis approach and generic results indicate the effects and characteristics of laminate thermal expansion, membrane orthotropy and anisotropy, and flexural orthotropy and anisotropy in a very general, unifying manner.

Nemeth, Michael P.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Effect of external viscous load on head movement

Quantitative measurements of horizontal head rotation were obtained from normal human subjects intending to make 'time optimal' trajectories between targets. By mounting large, lightweight vanes on the head, viscous damping B, up to 15 times normal could be added to the usual mechanical load of the head. With the added viscosity, the head trajectory was slowed and of larger duration (as expected) since fixed and maximal (for that amplitude) muscle forces had to accelerate the added viscous load. This decreased acceleration and velocity and longer duration movement still ensued in spite of adaptive compensation; this provided evidence that quasi-'time optimal' movements do indeed employ maximal muscle forces. The adaptation to this added load was rapid. Then the 'adapted state' subjects produced changed trajectories. The adaptation depended in part on the differing detailed instructions given to the subjects. This differential adaptation provided evidence for the existence of preprogrammed controller signals, sensitive to intended criterion, and neurologically ballistic or open loop rather than modified by feedback from proprioceptors or vision.

Nam, M.-H.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Matrix cracking in laminated composites under monotonic and cyclic loadings

An analytical model based on the internal state variable (ISV) concept and the strain energy method is proposed for characterizing the monotonic and cyclic response of laminated composites containing matrix cracks. A modified constitution is formulated for angle-ply laminates under general in-plane mechanical loading and constant temperature change. A monotonic matrix cracking criterion is developed for predicting the crack density in cross-ply laminates as a function of the applied laminate axial stress. An initial formulation for a cyclic matrix cracking criterion for cross-ply laminates is also discussed. For the monotonic loading case, a number of experimental data and well-known models are compared with the present study for validating the practical applicability of the ISV approach.

Allen, David H.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Human osteoblast-like cells respond to mechanical strain with increased bone matrix protein production independent of hormonal regulation

Exposure of osteosarcoma cell lines to chronic intermittent strain increases the activity of mechano-sensitive cation (SA-cat) channels. The impact of mechano-transduction on osteoblast function has not been well studied. We analyzed the expression and production of bone matrix proteins in human osteoblast-like osteosarcoma cells, OHS-4, in response to chronic intermittent mechanical strain. The OHS-4 cells exhibit type I collagen production, 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D-inducible osteocalcin, and mineralization of the extracellular matrix. The matrix protein message level was determined from total RNA isolated from cells exposed to 1-4 days of chronic intermittent strain. Northern analysis for type I collagen indicated that strain increased collagen message after 48 h. Immunofluorescent labeling of type I collagen demonstrated that secretion was also enhanced with mechanical strain. Osteopontin message levels were increased several-fold by the application of mechanical load in the absence of vitamin D, and the two stimuli together produced an additive effect. Osteocalcin secretion was also increased with cyclic strain. Osteocalcin levels were not detectable in vitamin D-untreated control cells. However, after 4 days of induced load, significant levels of osteocalcin were observed in the medium. With vitamin D present, osteocalcin levels were 4 times higher in the medium of strained cells compared to nonstrained controls. We conclude that mechanical strain of osteoblast-like cells is sufficient to increase the transcription and secretion of matrix proteins via mechano-transduction without hormonal induction.

NASA Discipline Number 40-40↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The Measurement of Shear Strain in Impact Ice Using a Modified Lap Joint Test and Digital Image Correlation

The results of ice adhesion testing efforts are typically quantified using the maximum shear stress sustained at the interface before the ice detaches from the underlying substrate. While this singular value can be useful for understanding the role icing wind tunnel conditions and substrate surface properties have on the strength of the ice-substrate interface, it does not capture the mechanical behavior of the ice during an experiment. To better understand the deformation of the ice sample and ice-substrate interface during testing, digital image correlation was applied to the lap-joint shear test methodology utilized at NASA Glenn Research Center. Preparation of the sample surface for digital image correlation, initial parsing of the correlation data, and the time synchronization of data from multiple sources are discussed. Using the directional components of deformation measured via digital image correlation, a novel approach to calculating the interfacial shear strain is presented. Results from analyzing several impact ice samples consistently reveals a non-linear response in the ice during mechanical loading which occurs prior to sample delamination, a behavior not observable in the force and displacement data gathered from the testing apparatus. Both the full and small angle forms of the engineering shear strain are evaluated, with the full shear strain form providing considerably lower noise levels. The transition of sample response from near the interface to the bulk behavior of the ice under shear loading is discussed with results from several samples being presented.

: Ice Adhesion, Digital Image Correlation, Experim↗