Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Debonding”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 307 records · Page 17

Mechanical behavior of fiber reinforced SiC/RBSN ceramic matrix composites: Theory and experiment

The mechanical behavior of continuous fiber reinforced SiC/RBSN (Reaction Bonded Silicon Nitride) composites with various fiber contents is evaluated. Both catastrophic and noncatastrophic failures are observed in tensile specimens. Damage and failure mechanisms are identified via in-situ monitoring using NDE (nondestructive evaluation) techniques through the loading history. Effects of fiber/matrix interface debonding (splitting) parallel to fibers are discussed. Statistical failure behavior of fibers is also observed, especially when the interface is weak. Micromechanical models incorporating residual stresses to calculate the critical matrix cracking strength, ultimate strength, and work of pull-out are reviewed and used to predict composite response. For selected test problems, experimental measurements are compared to analytical predictions.

Chulya, Abhisak↗

In-situ x-ray monitoring of damage accumulation in SiC/RBSN tensile specimens

The room-temperature tensile testing of silicon carbide fiber reinforced reaction-bonded silicon nitride (SiC/RBSN) composite specimens was monitored by using in-situ x ray film radiography. Radiographic evaluation before, during, and after loading provided data on the effect of preexisting volume flaws (high density impurities, and local density variations) on the fracture behavior of composites. Results from (0)1, (0)3, (0)5, and (0)8 composite specimens, showed that x ray film radiography can monitor damage accumulations during tensile loading. Matrix cracking, fiber-matrix debonding, and fiber pullout were imaged throughout the tensile loading history of the specimens. Further, in-situ film radiography was found to be a helpful and practical technique for estimating interfacial shear strength between the SiC fiber and the RBSN matrix by the matrix crack spacing method. It is concluded that pretest, in-situ, and post-test radiography can provide for a greater understanding of ceramic matrix composite mechanical behavior, a verification of related experimental procedures, and a validation and development of related analytical models.

Baaklini, George Y.↗

Microfracture in high temperature metal matrix crossply laminates

Microfracture (fiber/matrix fracture, interphase debonding, and inter-ply delamination) in high temperature metal matrix composites (HTMMC), subjected to both mechanical and thermal loading, is computationally simulated. A crossply 0.3 fiber volume ratio SiC/Ti15 composite with 0/90/0 lay-up is evaluated for microfracture using a multicell finite element model. A computational simulation procedure based on strain energy release rates is used to predict the fracture process and establish the hierarchy of fracture modes. Microfracture results for various loading cases are presented and discussed.

Mital, Subodh K.↗

Development of graphite/copper composites utilizing engineered interfaces

In situ measurements of graphite/copper alloy contact angles were made using the sessile drop method. The interfacial energy values obtained from these measurements were then applied to a model for the fiber matrix interfacial debonding phenomenon found in graphite/copper composites. The formation obtained from the sessile drop tests led to the development of a copper alloy that suitably wets graphite. Characterization of graphite/copper alloy interfaces subjected to elevated temperatures was conducted using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, Auger Electron Spectroscopy, and X Ray Diffraction analyses. These analyses indicated that during sessile drop tests conducted at 1130 C for 1 hour, copper alloys containing greater than 0.98 at pct chromium form continuous reaction layers of approx. 10 microns in thickness. The reaction layers are adherent to the graphite surface. The copper wets the reaction layer to form a contact angle of 60 deg or less. X ray diffraction results indicate that the reaction layer is Cr3C2.

Devincent, Sandra M.↗

Experimental and analytical analysis of stress-strain behavior in a (90/0 deg)2s, SiC/Ti-15-3 laminate

The nonlinear stress strain behavior of 90 degree/0 degree sub 2s, SiC/Ti-15-3 composite laminate was numerically investigated with a finite element, unit cell approach. Tensile stress-strain curves from room temperature experiments depicted three distinct regions of deformation, and these regions were predicted by finite element analysis. The first region of behavior, which was linear elastic, occurred at low applied stresses. As applied stresses increased, fiber/matrix debonding in the 90 degree plies caused a break in the stress-strain curve and initiated a second linear region. In this second region, matrix plasticity in the 90 degree plies developed. The third region, which was typified by nonlinear, stress-strain behavior occr red at high stresses. In this region, the onset of matrix plasticity in the 0 degree plies stiffened the laminate in the direction transverse to the applied load. Metallographic sections confirmed the existence of matrix plasticity in specific areas of the structure. Finite element analysis also predicted these locations of matrix slip.

Lerch, Bradley A.↗

Preliminary investigation of acousto-ultrasonic evaluation of metal-matrix composite specimens

Acoustoultrasonic (AU) measurements were performed on a series of (0)8, (90)8, (+/-30)2s, (+/-60)2s, (0/90)2s, and (90/0)2s tensile specimens composed of eight laminated layers of continuous, SiC-fiber-reinforced Ti-15-3 matrix. The frequency spectrum was dominated by frequencies of longitudinal wave resonance through the thickness of the specimen at the sending transducer; signal propagation from the sender to the receiver was by shear waves. The magnitude of the frequency spectrum of the AU signal was used for calculating a stress-wave factor (SWF) based upon integrating the spectral distribution function. The SWF was sensitive to fiber-matrix debonding caused by mechanical strain and also to unconstrained thermal cycling. Damage in this metal-matrix composite structure due to tensile loading or thermal cycling was detected by this change in the magnitude of the frequency spectrum.

Kautz, Harold E.↗

Bond verification of space shuttle tiles using time-domain techniques

The application of a high-resolution time-domain reflectometer (TDR) to the detection of faulty bonds in space shuttle tile structures is discussed. Experimental measurements on bonded and debonded tiles are included to demonstrate the technique. Computer simulations were used to verify the experimental results. A criterion for bond verification is proposed.

Bennia, Abdelhak↗

Numerical, micro-mechanical prediction of crack growth resistance in a fibre-reinforced/brittle matrix composite

Micromechanics fracture models are incorporated into three distinct fracture process zones which contribute to the crack growth resistance of fibrous composites. The frontal process zone includes microcracking, fiber debonding, and some fiber failure. The elastic process zone is related only to the linear elastic creation of new matrix and fiber fracture surfaces. The wake process zone includes fiber bridging, fiber pullout, and fiber breakage. The R-curve predictions of the model compare well with empirical results for a unidirectional, continuous fiber C/C composite. Separating the contributions of each process zone reveals the wake region to contain the dominant crack growth resistance mechanisms. Fractography showed the effects of the micromechanisms on the macroscopic fracture behavior.

Jenkins, Michael G.↗

Effect of thermal shock on fiber-reinforced superalloy composites

An evaluation is presented of the thermal shock behavior of tungsten fiber-reinforced superalloy (FRS) composites with respect to the turbine blade requirements of rocket engine turbopumps. Each composite was reinforced unidirectionally with 40-volume-pct continuous tungsten fibers. The start-up conditions of the first-stage turbine blades of the high-pressure fuel turbopump in the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) were used to investigate the thermal shock behavior of these materials. The FRS composites showed excellent thermal shock resistance, two to nine times better than the turbine blade material used in the SSME. Thermal shock cycling produced microcracks on the surfaces of the irradiated area that were less than 0.13 mm long and 0.005 mm deep. Neither fiber/matrix debonding nor microvoiding was observed.

Yuen, J. L.↗

Crack problems involving nonhomogeneous interfacial regions in bonded materials

Consideration is given to two classes of fracture-related solid mechanics problems in which the model leads to some physically anomalous results. The first is the interface crack problem associated with the debonding process in which the corresponding elasticity solution predicts severe oscillations of stresses and the crack surface displacements vary near the crack tip. The second deals with crack intersecting the interface. The nature of the solutions around the crack tips arising from these problems is reviewed. The rationale for introducing a new interfacial zone model is discussed, its analytical consequences within the context of the two crack-problem classes are described, and some examples are presented.

Erdogan, F.↗

In situ X-ray monitoring of damage accumulation in SiC/RBSN tensile specimens

The room-temperature tensile testing of silicon carbide fiber reinforced reaction-bonded silicon nitride (SiC/RBSN) composite specimens was monitored by using in-situ X-ray film radiography. Radiographic evaluation before, during, and after loading provided data on the effect of preexisting volume flaws (high density impurities, and local density variations) on the fracture behavior of composites. Results from (O)1, (O)3, (O)5, and (O)8 composite specimens showed that X-ray film radiography can monitor damage accumulations during tensile loading. Matrix cracking, fiber-matrix debonding, and fiber pullout were imaged throughout the tensile loading history of the specimens. Further, in-situ film radiography was found to be a helpful and practical technique for estimating interfacial shear strength between the SiC fiber and the RBSN matrix by the matrix crack spacing method. It is concluded that pretest, in-situ, and post-test radiography can provide for a greater understanding of ceramic matrix composite mechanical behavior, a verification of related experimental procedures, and a validation and development of related analytical models.

Baaklini, George Y.↗

Glass sample characterization

The development of in-house integrated optical performance modelling capability at MSFC is described. This performance model will take into account the effects of structural and thermal distortions, as well as metrology errors in optical surfaces to predict the performance of large an complex optical systems, such as Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility. The necessary hardware and software were identified to implement an integrated optical performance model. A number of design, development, and testing tasks were supported to identify the debonded mirror pad, and rebuilding of the Technology Mirror Assembly. Over 300 samples of Zerodur were prepared in different sizes and shapes for acid etching, coating, and polishing experiments to characterize the subsurface damage and stresses produced by the grinding and polishing operations.

Ahmad, Anees↗

Thermally-driven microfracture in high temperature metal matrix composites

Microfracture (fiber/matrix fracture, interphase debonding and interply delamination) in high temperature metal matrix composites (HTMMC), subjected to thermal loading, is computationally simulated. Both unidirectional and crossply SiC/Ti15 composites are evaluated for microfracture driven by thermal loads, using multicell finite element models. Results indicate that under thermal loads alone, microfracture propagation is not as sensitive as it is under mechanical loads.

Mital, Subodh K.↗

Fatigue damage in cross-ply titanium metal matrix composites containing center holes

The development of fatigue damage in (0/90) sub SCS-6/TI-15-3 laminates containing center holes was studied. Stress levels required for crack initiation in the matrix were predicted using an effective strain parameter and compared to experimental results. Damage progression was monitored at various stages of fatigue loading. In general, a saturated state of damage consisting of matrix cracks and fiber matrix debonding was obtained which reduced the composite modulus. Matrix cracks were bridged by the 0 deg fibers. The fatigue limit (stress causing catastrophic fracture of the laminates) was also determined. The static and post fatigue residual strengths were accurately predicted using a three dimensional elastic-plastic finite element analysis. The matrix damage that occurred during fatigue loading significantly reduced the notched strength.

Bakuckas, J. G., Jr.↗

Tiltrotor research aircraft composite blade repairs: Lessons learned

The XV-15, N703NA Tiltrotor Research Aircraft located at the NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, currently uses a set of composite rotor blades of complex shape known as the advanced technology blades (ATBs). The main structural element of the blades is a D-spar constructed of unidirectional, angled fiberglass/graphite, with the aft fairing portion of the blades constructed of a fiberglass cross-ply skin bonded to a Nomex honeycomb core. The blade tip is a removable laminate shell that fits over the outboard section of the spar structure, which contains a cavity to retain balance weights. Two types of tip shells are used for research. One is highly twisted (more than a conventional helicopter blade) and has a hollow core constructed of a thin Nomex-honeycomb-and-fiberglass-skin sandwich; the other is untwisted with a solid Nomex honeycomb core and a fiberglass cross-ply skin. During initial flight testing of the blades, a number of problems in the composite structure were encountered. These problems included debonding between the fiberglass skin and the honeycomb core, failure of the honeycomb core, failures in fiberglass splices, cracks in fiberglass blocks, misalignment of mated composite parts, and failures of retention of metal fasteners. Substantial time was spent in identifying and repairing these problems. Discussed here are the types of problems encountered, the inspection procedures used to identify each problem, the repairs performed on the damaged or flawed areas, the level of criticality of the problems, and the monitoring of repaired areas. It is hoped that this discussion will help designers, analysts, and experimenters in the future as the use of composites becomes more prevalent.

Espinosa, Paul S.↗

The effects of uneven fiber spacing on thermal residual stresses in a unidirectional SCS-6Ti-15-3 laminate

High residual stresses develop in SCS-6/Ti-15-3 composites during cooldown from the fabrication temperature; these residual stresses can effect the mechanical and physical properties of the composite. Discrete fiber-matrix finite element models were used to study the residual stresses due to the temperature change during the fabrication process, including the effects of uneven fiber spacing, the free surface, and increased fiber volume fractions. To accurately model the effects of the free surface, it is only necessary to model one fiber through the thickness. Below the first ply, the analysis predicts stress distributions that are identical to the infinite array predictions. For uneven fiber space less then 0.042 mm in an interior ply, the maximum hoop stress was predicted to occur between fibers within a ply and to increase as the fiber spacing decreased. The maximum hoop stress correlated well with the observed radial cracking between fibers. For the case of touching fibers, the analysis predicted tensile radial stresses at the fiber-matrix debonding during the fabrication cooldown. Identical trends were predicted for uneven fiber spacing in surface plies with slightly greater values of maximum stresses. The analysis predicted matrix yielding to occur upon cooldown when the edge-to-edge fiber spacing was less than or equal to 0.022 mm. The stress distributions predicted for increasing fiber volume fractions were similar to those predicted for decreasing the fiber spacing for two adjacent fibers within a ply.

Bigelow, C. A.↗

X ray attenuation measurements for high-temperature materials characterization and in-situ monitoring of damage accumulation

The scope of this dissertation is to develop and apply x ray attenuation measurement systems that are capable of: (1) characterizing density variations in high-temperature materials, e.g., monolithic ceramics, ceramic and intermetallic matrix composites, and (2) noninvasively monitoring damage accumulation and failure sequences in ceramic matrix composites under room temperature tensile testing. This dissertation results in the development of: (1) a point scan digital radiography system, and (2) an in-situ x ray material testing system. Radiographic evaluation before, during, and after loading shows the effect of preexisting volume flaws on the fracture behavior of composites. Results show that x ray film radiography can monitor damage accumulation during tensile loading. Matrix cracking, fiber matrix debonding, fiber bridging, and fiber pullout are imaged throughout the tensile loading of the specimens. Further in-situ radiography is found to be a practical technique for estimating interfacial shear strength between the silicon carbide fibers and the reaction bonded silicon nitride matrix. It is concluded that pretest, in-situ, and post test x ray imaging can provide for greater understanding of ceramic matrix composite mechanical behavior.

Baaklini, George Y.↗

Stress-strain analysis of a (0/90)sub 2 symmetric titanium matrix laminate subjected to a generic hypersonic flight profile

Cross ply laminate behavior of Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn (Ti-15-3) matrix reinforced with continuous silicon carbide fibers (SCS-6) subjected to a generic hypersonic flight profile was evaluated experimentally and analytically. Thermomechanical fatigue test techniques were developed to conduct a simulation of a generic hypersonic flight profile. A micromechanical analysis was used. The analysis predicts the stress-strain response of the laminate and of the constituents in each ply during thermal and mechanical cycling by using only constituent properties as input. The fiber was modeled using a thermo-viscoplastic constitutive relation. The fiber transverse modulus was reduced in the analysis to simulate the fiber matrix interface failure. Excellent correlation was found between measured and predicted laminate stress-strain response due to generic hypersonic flight profile when fiber debonding was modeled.

Mirdamadi, Massoud↗