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At least 397 records · Page 22

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NASA NTRS1980

Stress wave attenuation in thin structures by ultrasonic through-transmission

The steady state amplitude of the output of an ultrasonic through transmission measurement is analyzed and the result is given in closed form. Provided that the product of the input and output transduction ratios; the specimen-transducer reflection coefficient; the specimen-transducer phase shift parameter; and the material phase velocity are known, this analysis gives a means for determining the through-thickness attenuation of an individual thin sample. Multiple stress wave reflections are taken into account and so signal echoes do not represent a difficulty. An example is presented for a graphite fiber epoxy composite (Hercules AS/3501-6). A direct method for continuous or intermittent monitoring of through thickness attenuation of plate structures which may be subject to service structural degradation is provided.

Lee, S. S.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Increased fracture toughness of graphite-epoxy composites through intermittent interlaminar bonding

The objective of this study was to increase the fracture toughness of multilayer continuous-filament graphite-epoxy composites. The method used is intermittent interlaminar bonding which can lead to a large increase in the fracture surface area. Intermittent bonding was achieved through introduction of thin perforated Mylar between the layers of the composite. For the optimum condition, fracture toughness was increased from about 100 kJ/sq m for untreated specimens to an average of about 500 kJ/sq m, while tensile strength dropped from 500 MPa to 400 MPa, and elastic modulus remained the same at about 75 GPa. An approximate analysis is presented to explain the improvement in toughness.

Jea, L.-C.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Nonlinear response of resin matrix laminates using endochronic theory

The nonlinear response of laminated, resin matrix fibrous composites is modeled using orthotropic endochronic theory. The theory is formulated in terms of elastic constants and endochronic parameters characterizing the linear and nonlinear response, respectively, of unidirectional composites. All constants and parameters can be determined from normal (tension and/or compression) and shear tests on unidirectional and off-axis specimens. The nonlinear constitutive response relations for the unidirectional lamina are presented and the procedure for determining constants and parameters from test is described. The results are then used to predict the nonlinear response of unidirectional laminae and angle-ply laminates. Comparison between theory and experiment for compression loading of AS4/3502 graphite-epoxy, angle-ply laminates shows excellent correlation.

Mathison, S. R.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Ultrasonic attenuation and velocity in AS/3501-6 graphite fiber composite

The ultrasonic group velocity and attenuation were measured as a function of frequency for longitudinal and shear waves in the Hercules epoxy matrix (3501-6) and in the principal directions of the unidirectional Hercules graphite fiber epoxy composite (AS/3501-6). Tests were conducted in the frequency ranges 0.25-14 MHz and 0.5-3 MHz for longitudinal and shear wave modes, respectively. While the attenuation increased with frequency for all wave modes, the group velocity was independent of frequency for all wave modes. In studying the effects of transducer-specimen interface couplant and pressure, it was found that for each transducer, there exists a frequency-dependent 'saturation pressure' corresponding to the maximum output amplitude of the signal.

Williams, J. H., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Stress-wave attenuation in thin structures by ultrasonic through-transmission

The steady-state amplitude of the output of an ultrasonic through-transmission measurement is analyzed and the result is given in closed form. Provided that the product of the input and output transduction ratios, the specimen-transducer reflection coefficient, the specimen-transducer phase-shift parameter, and the material phase velocity are known, this analysis gives a means for determining the through-thickness attenuation of an individual thin sample. Multiple stress-wave reflections are taken into account, and so signal echoes do not represent a difficulty. An example is presented for a graphite fiber epoxy composite (Hercules AS/3501-6). Thus, the technique provides a direct method for continuous or intermittent monitoring of through-thickness attenuation of plate structures which may be subject to service structural degradation.

Lee, S. S.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Seam bonding of graphite reinforced composite panels

An account is given of the design features and operating characteristics of a method for the joining of composite parts, at a rate of 2 to 6 inches/min, in which the heating process responsible for adhesive flow at 800 F is focused upon the overlapped seam. The heating element is a self-tuning solid state power oscillator whose ferrite's toroid geometry generates a uniform, concentrated magnetic flux in the component to be bonded. Specimens cut from graphite/epoxy panels bonded with epoxy-phenolic adhesive by this process have exhibited average lap-shear strengths of the order of 3400 lbs/sq in.

Buckley, John D.↗

NASA NTRS1976

An evaluation of dry film lubricants and substrate materials for use on SSME gimbal bearings

Failure of the spherical bearing shaft of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) gimbal bearing assembly was encountered during Design Verification Specification testing of the full scale engine. Investigation revealed that the failure was caused by a deficiency in the lubrication system. Based upon the materials and gimbal operating conditions, a lubricant of MoS2 and graphite with a ceramic binder was the best lubricant candidate for this particular application; however, the decision to implement the change was not made without verification testing. Scaled down simulation testing was performed. Four different substrate materials and eight different dry film lubricants were subjected to tests under simulated SSME environmental and stress load conditions. The test specimens were evaluated for friction and operating life. Each test specimen was subjected to cyclic operation under load until failure. The force required to move the bearing surfaces relative to each other was monitored throughout the test, thus providing analytical data for derivation of the coefficient of friction. Results indicate that the MoS2/graphite lubricant with ceramic binder proved to be superior from the standpoint of endurance and also from the standpoint of friction reducing capabilities when applied to the titanium substrate material used on SSME. Endurance of this lubricant was approximately 16 times that of the lubricant which was being used when the SSME gimbal failed.

Harp, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Postbuckling behavior of selected flat stiffened graphite-epoxy panels loaded in compression

Results of an experimental study of the postbuckling behavior of selected flat stiffened graphite-epoxy panels loaded in compression are presented. The postbuckling response and failure characteristics of undamaged panels and panels damaged by low-speed impact are described. Each panel had four equally-spaced I-spaced stiffeners and 16- or 24-ply quasi-isotropic skins. Panels with three different stiffener spacings were tested. Some undamaged specimens supported as much as three times their initial buckling load before failing. Failure of all panels initiated in a skin-stiffener interface region. Analytical results obtained from a nonlinear general shell finite element analysis computer code correlate well with typical postbuckling test results up to failure. The analytical modeling detail necessary to predict accurately the response of a panel is described. Test results show that low-speed impact damage can reduce the postbuckling strength of a stiffened panel and that the skin-stiffener interface region is more sensitive to impact damage than the skin midway between stiffeners.

Starnes, J. H., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Mixed-mode strain-energy-release rate effects on edge delamination of composites

Unnotched graphite/epoxy laminates, designed to delaminate at the edges under static and cyclic tensile loads, were tested and analyzed. The specimen stacking sequences were chosen so that the total strain-energy-release rate, G, for edge delamination was identical for all three layups. However, each layup had different percentages of crack-opening and shear-mode strain-energy-release rates, G sub 1 and G sub 2, respectively. Results with composites made from T300 graphite fibers and 5208 epoxy, a brittle resin, indicated that only G sub 1 contributed to delamination onset under static loading. However, results with composites made from C6000 fibers and H205 epoxy, a tougher resin, indicated that the total F governed the onset of edge delaminations under cyclic loads. In addition, for both materials, the threshold level of G for delamination onset in fatigue was significantly less than the critical G sub c measured in static tests. Futhermore, although the C6000/H205 material had a much higher static G sub c than T300/5208, its fatigue resistance was only slightly better. A series of mixed-mode tests, like the ones in this study, may be needed to evaluate toughened-resin composites developed for highly strained composite structures subjected to cyclic loads.

Obrien, T. K.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Effects of LDEF flight exposure on selected polymer matrix resin composite materials

The characterization of selected graphite fiber reinforced epoxy (934 and 5208) and polysulfone (P1700) matrix resin composites materials which received over five years and nine months of exposure to the low earth orbit (LEO) environment in experiment AO134 on the Long Duration Exposure Facility is reported. The changes in mechanical properties of ultimate tensile strength and tensile modulus for exposed flight specimens are compared to the three sets of control specimens. Marked changes in surface appearance are discussed, and resin loss is reported. The chemical characterization including infrared, thermal, and selected solution property measurements showed that the molecular structure of the polymetric matrix had not changed significantly in response to this exposure.

Slemp, Wayne S.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Scale effects on the transverse tensile strength of graphite epoxy composites

The influence of material volume on the transverse tensile strength of AS4/3501-6 graphite epoxy composites was investigated. Tensile tests of 90 degree laminates with 3 different widths and 5 different thicknesses were conducted. A finite element analysis was performed to determine the influence of the grip on the stress distribution in the coupons and explain the tendency for the distribution of failure locations to be skewed toward the grip. Specimens were instrumented with strain gages and extensometers to insure good alignment and to measure failure strains. Data indicated that matrix dominated strength properties varied with the volume of material that was stressed, with the strength decreasing as volume increased. Transverse strength data were used in a volumetric scaling law based on Weibull statistics to predict the strength of 90 degree laminates loaded in three point bending. Comparisons were also made between transverse strength measurements and out-of-plane interlaminar tensile strength measurements from curved beam bending tests. The significance of observed scale effects on the use of tests for material screening, quality assurance, and design allowables is discussed.

Obrien, T. Kevin↗

NASA NTRS1972

A study of graphite ablation in combined convective and radiative heating.

Comparison of graphite ablation experiment results in the diffusion-controlled oxidation and sublimation regimes with results of an equilibrium chemistry, film coefficient ablation analysis. Mass transfer and energy transfer effects are considered. Tests were conducted in an arcjet facility at convective heating rates of 600 to 800 W/sq cm, radiative heating rates up to 2900 W/sq cm, with test specimen surface pressures of 0.06, 0.1, and 0.3 atm in an air stream. The experimental and analytical mass loss and surface temperature results agreed well when the carbon vapor thermodynamic properties from the JANAF tables are used in the analysis.

Wakefield, R. M.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Effects of floor location on response of composite fuselage frames

Experimental and analytical results are presented which show the effect of floor placement on the structural response and strength of circular fuselage frames constructed of graphite-epoxy composite material. The research was conducted to study the behavior of conventionally designed advanced composite aircraft components. To achieve desired new designs which incorporate improved energy absorption capabilities requires an understanding of how these conventional designs behave under crash type loadings. Data are presented on the static behavior of the composite structure through photographs of the frame specimen, experimental strain distributions, and through analytical data from composite structural models. An understanding of this behavior can aid dynamist in predicting the crash behavior of these structures and may assist the designer achieve improved designs for energy absorption and crash behavior of future structures.

Carden, Huey D.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Effects of floor location on response of composite fuselage frames

Experimental and analytical results are presented which show the effect of floor placement on the structural response and strength of circular fuselage frames constructed of graphite-epoxy composite material. The research was conducted to study the behavior of conventionally designed advanced composite aircraft components. To achieve desired new designs which incorporate improved energy absorption capabilities requires an understanding of how these conventional designs behave under crash type loadings. Data are presented on the static behavior of the composite structure through photographs of the frame specimen, experimental strain distributions, and through analytical data from composite structural models. An understanding of this behavior can aid the dynamist in predicting the crash behavior of these structures and may assist the designer in achieving improved designs for energy absorption and crash behavior of future structures.

Carden, Huey D.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Tension strength of a thick graphite/epoxy laminate after impact by a 1/2-in. radius impactor

NASA is developing graphite/epoxy filament-wound cases for solid rocket motors of the space shuttle. They are wet-wound with AS4W graphite fiber and HBRF-55A epoxy. The membrane region is about 1.4 inches thick. Two 30-inch-diameter by 12-inch-long cylinders were impacted every two inches of circumference with 1/2-inch radius impactors that were dropped from various heights. One cylinder was empty and the other was filled with inert propellant. Two-inch-wide test specimens were cut from the cylinders. Each was centered on an impact site. The specimens were x-rayed and loaded to failure in uniaxial tension. Rigid body mechanics and the Hertz law were used to predict impact force, local deformations, contact diameters, and contact pressures. The depth of impact damage was predicted using Love's solution for pressure applied on part of the boundary of a semi-infinite body. The predictions were reasonably good. The strengths of the impacted specimens were reduced by as much as 37 percent without visible surface damage. Even the radiographs did not reveal the nonvisible damage.

Poe, C. C., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS2007

Improving Strength of Postbuckled Panels Through Stitching

The behavior of blade-stiffened graphite-epoxy panels with impact damage is examined to determine the effect of adding through-the-thickness stitches in the stiffener flange-to-skin interface. The influence of stitches is evaluated by examining buckling and failure for panels with failure loads up to 3.5 times greater than buckling loads. Analytical and experimental results from four configurations of panel specimens are presented. For each configuration, two panels were manufactured with skin and flanges held together with through-the-thickness stitches introduced prior to resin infusion and curing and one panel was manufactured with no stitches holding the flange to the skin. No mechanical fasteners were used for the assembly of any of these panels. Panels with and without low-speed impact damage were loaded to failure in compression. Buckling and failure modes are discussed. Stitching had little effect on buckling loads but increased the failure loads of impact-damaged panels by up to 30%.

Jegley, Dawn C.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Postbuckling of flat unstiffened graphite-epoxy plates loaded in shear

An experimental and analytical study was conducted of the postbuckling response and failure characteristics of 8-, 16-, and 24-ply unstiffened graphite/epoxy plates under shear loading, including orthotropic, quasi-orthotropic, entirely +, -45 deg ply, and (0/90)s-class plates. Postbuckling stiffness is noted to be influenced by the stacking sequence and by the inplane boundary condition imposed on the test section by a picture frame test fixture. The ratio of failure load to buckling load was higher for specimens that had higher width-to-thickness ratios. It is noted that high displacement gradients may induce transverse shear stresses, and that delamination was the failure mechanism for many of the 8-ply specimens. An adhesive failure between the composite specimen and metal edge reinforcements initiated failure of the 16- and 24-ply specimens.

Rouse, M.↗

DOE OSTI2021

Enhancing isotope mixing in U-10Mo downblend castings with electromagnetic stirring

Uranium alloyed with 10 wt percent molybdenum (U-10Mo) is the proposed fuel for use in the United States’ high-performance research reactors. The U-10Mo fuel is fabricated by a two-step casting process that downblends highly enriched uranium with depleted uranium (DU) and/or natural uranium (NU) and subsequently alloys the resulting high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) with Mo. Currently, a two-step casting process is needed to meet the ingots’ U-235 enrichment homogeneity specifications. This work demonstrates the ability to provide more homogeneous U-235 distributions during downblend casting by using zirconia for crucibles rather than graphite. When graphite is used as a crucible, the electromagnetic field produced by the induction heater couples directly with the graphite. Zirconia is nonconducting in this study, and therefore does not couple with the field. The induction field couples directly with the metal, and causes electromagnetic stirring (EMS) in the molten metal pool. Eight downblend casting experiments were carried out in this work. Four were performed with zirconia crucibles and four with graphite crucibles. The U-235 enrichment was measured at nine discrete points in each casting using laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS). The enrichment homogeneity was approximately eight times better in zirconia crucible castings than in graphite crucible castings as measured by the plate enrichment range and enrichment coefficient of variation. The results show a single casting step could be used to meet USHPRR enrichment specifications if electromagnetic stirring is present during casting. A related investigation was carried out to determine whether it is appropriate to measure enrichment on as-cast ingots or whether heat treated specimens should be used to accurately characterize enrichment. The results show that the as-cast microstructure plays a significant role in enrichment homogeneity. It is recommended that all enrichment measurements be done after the homogenization heat treatment typical of U-10Mo processing.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗