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NASA NTRS1987

Stress analysis of the cracked-lap-shear specimen - An ASTM round-robin

This ASTM Round Robin was conducted to evaluate the state of the art in stress analysis of adhesively bonded joint specimens. Specifically, the participants were asked to calculate the strain-energy-release rate for two different geometry cracked lap shear (CLS) specimens at four different debond lengths. The various analytical techniques consisted of 2- and 3-dimensional finite element analysis, beam theory, plate theory, and a combination of beam theory and finite element analysis. The results were examined in terms of the total strain-energy-release rate and the mode I to mode II ratio as a function of debond length for each specimen geometry. These results basically clustered into two groups: geometric linear or geometric nonlinear analysis. The geometric nonlinear analysis is required to properly analyze the CLS specimens. The 3-D finite element analysis gave indications of edge closure plus some mode III loading. Each participant described his analytical technique and results. Nine laboratories participated.

Johnson, W. S.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Bolt clampup relaxation in a graphite/epoxy laminate

A simple bolted joint was analyzed to calculate bolt clampup relaxation for a graphite/epoxy (T300/5208) laminate. A viscoelastic finite element analysis of a double-lap joint with a steel bolt was conducted. Clampup forces were calculated for various steady-state temperature-moisture conditions using a 20-year exposure duration. The finite element analysis predicted that clampup forces relax even for the room-temperature-dry condition. The relaxations were 8, 13, 20, and 30 percent for exposure durations of 1 day, 1 month, 1 year, and 20 years, respectively. As expected, higher temperatures and moisture levels each increased the relaxation rate. The combined viscoelastic effects of steady-state temperature and moisture appeared to be additive. From the finite-element analysis, a simple equation was used to calculate clampup forces for the same temperature-moisture conditions as used in the finite-element analysis. The two sets of calculated results agreed well. Previously announced in STAR as N82-19320

Shivakumar, K. N.↗

NASA NTRS2015

Microstructural Influence on Deformation and Fatigue Life of Composites Using the Generalized Method of Cells

A fully coupled deformation and damage approach to modeling the response of composite materials and composite laminates is presented. It is based on the semi-‐analytical generalized method of cells (GMC) micromechanics model as well as its higher fidelity counterpart, HFGMC, both of which provide closed-form constitutive equations for composite materials as well as the micro scale stress and strain fields in the composite phases. The provided constitutive equations allow GMC and HFGMC to function within a higher scale structural analysis (e.g., finite element analysis or lamination theory) to represent a composite material point, while the availability of the micro fields allow the incorporation of lower scale sub‐models to represent local phenomena in the fiber and matrix. Further, GMC's formulation performs averaging when applying certain governing equations such that some degree of microscale field accuracy is surrendered in favor of extreme computational efficiency, rendering the method quite attractive as the centerpiece in a integrated computational material engineering (ICME) structural analysis; whereas HFGMC retains this microscale field accuracy, but at the price of significantly slower computational speed. Herein, the sensitivity of deformation and the fatigue life of graphite/epoxy PMC composites, with both ordered and disordered microstructures, has been investigated using this coupled deformation and damage micromechanics based approach. The local effects of fiber breakage and fatigue damage are included as sub‐models that operate on the microscale for the individual composite phases. For analysis of laminates, classical lamination theory is employed as the global or structural scale model, while GMC/HFGMC is embedded to operate on the microscale to simulate the behavior of the composite material within each laminate layer. A key outcome of this study is the statistical influence of microstructure and micromechanics idealization (GMC or HFGMC) on the overall accuracy of unidirectional and laminated composite deformation and fatigue response.

Microscale Models↗

NASA NTRS1982

Bolt clampup relaxation in a graphite/epoxy laminate

A simple bolted joint was analyzed to calculate bolt clampup relaxation for a graphite/epoxy (T300/5208) laminate. A viscoelastic finite element analysis of a double-lap joint with a steel bolt was conducted. Clampup forces were calculated for various steady-state temperature-moisture conditions using a 20-year exposure duration. The finite element analysis predicted that clampup forces relax even for the room-temperature-dry condition. The relaxations were 8, 13, 20, and 30 percent for exposure durations of 1 day, 1 month, 1 year, and 20 years, respectively. As expected, higher temperatures and moisture levels each increased the relaxation rate. The combined viscoelastic effects of steady-state temperature and moisture appeared to be additive. From the finite-element analysis, a simple equation was developed for clampup force relaxation. This generalized equation was used to calculate clampup forces for the same temperature-moisture conditions as used in the finite-element analysis. The two sets of calculated results agreed well.

Shivakumar, K. N.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Prediction of the thermal environment and thermal response of simple panels exposed to radiant heat

A method of predicting the radiant heat flux distribution produced by a bank of tubular quartz heaters was applied to a radiant system consisting of a single unreflected lamp irradiating a flat metallic incident surface. In this manner, the method was experimentally verified for various radiant system parameter settings and used as a source of input for a finite element thermal analysis. Two finite element thermal analyses were applied to a thermal system consisting of a thin metallic panel exposed to radiant surface heating. A two-dimensional steady-state finite element thermal analysis algorithm, based on Galerkin's Method of Weighted Residuals (GFE), was formulated specifically for this problem and was used in comparison to the thermal analyzers of the Engineering Analysis Language (EAL). Both analyses allow conduction, convection, and radiation boundary conditions. Differences in the respective finite element formulation are discussed in terms of their accuracy and resulting comparison discrepancies. The thermal analyses are shown to perform well for the comparisons presented here with some important precautions about the various boundary condition models. A description of the experiment, corresponding analytical modeling, and resulting comparisons are presented.

Turner, Travis L.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Strain energy release rate analysis of the end-notched flexure specimen using the finite-element method

Two-dimensional finite-element analysis of the end-notched flexure specimen was performed using 8-node isoparametric, parabolic elements to evaluate compliance and mode II strain energy release rates, G sub II. The G sub II values were computed using two different techniques: the virtual crack-closure technique (VCCT) and the rate of change of compliance with crack length (compliance derivative method). The analysis was performed for various crack-length-to-semi-span (a/L) ratios ranging from 0.2 to 0.9. Three material systems representing a wide range of material properties were analyzed. The compliance and strain energy release rates of the specimen calculated with the present finite-element analysis agree very well with beam theory equations including transverse shear. The G sub II values calculated using the compliance derivative method compared extremely well with those calculated using the VCCT. The G sub II values obtained by the compliance derivative method using the top or bottom beam deflections agreed closely with each other. The strain energy release rates from a plane-stress analysis were higher than the plane-strain values by only a small percentage, indicating that either assumption may be used in the analysis. The G sub II values for one material system calculated from the finte-element analysis agreed with one solution in the literature and disagreed with the other solution in the literature.

Salpekar, S. A.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

An Investigation on the Accuracy of Delamination Analysis Predictions for Unidirectional Laminate Configurations

The state-of-the-art methodologies for predicting delamination growth in composite laminates make use of the concept of mixed-mode fracture mechanics. In mixed-mode fracture approaches the individual Mode I, Mode II and Mode III components of the strain energy release rate (SERR) need to be determined under general loading conditions. Through the use of mixed-mode fracture, the individual components are used in combination with the critical strain energy release rates (interlaminar fracture toughnesses) for each fracture mode in a mixed mode criterion in order to predict delamination extension. These interlaminar fracture toughnesses are traditionally obtained by testing of unidirectional laminate coupons. This work presents an investigation on the accuracy of Double Cantilever Beam (DCB), End Notch Flexure (ENF) and Mixed-Mode Bending (MMB) delamination analysis predictions by comparing measured total strain-energy release rates obtained experimentally to results for structural analysis from closed-form expressions, shell finite element analysis, and continuum two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) (solid) finite element analysis.

Patrick Enjuto↗

NASA NTRS1988

Compression creep of filamentary composites

Axial and transverse strain fields induced in composite laminates subjected to compressive creep loading were compared for several types of laminate layups. Unidirectional graphite/epoxy as well as multi-directional graphite/epoxy and graphite/PEEK layups were studied. Specimens with and without holes were tested. The specimens were subjected to compressive creep loading for a 10-hour period. In-plane displacements were measured using moire interferometry. A computer based data reduction scheme was developed which reduces the whole-field displacement fields obtained using moire to whole-field strain contour maps. Only slight viscoelastic response was observed in matrix-dominated laminates, except for one test in which catastrophic specimen failure occurred after a 16-hour period. In this case the specimen response was a complex combination of both viscoelastic and fracture mechanisms. No viscoelastic effects were observed for fiber-dominated laminates over the 10-hour creep time used. The experimental results for specimens with holes were compared with results obtained using a finite-element analysis. The comparison between experiment and theory was generally good. Overall strain distributions were very well predicted. The finite element analysis typically predicted slightly higher strain values at the edge of the hole, and slightly lower strain values at positions removed from the hole, than were observed experimentally. It is hypothesized that these discrepancies are due to nonlinear material behavior at the hole edge, which were not accounted for during the finite-element analysis.

Graesser, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Finite element displacement analysis of a lung.

A method is given based on the technique of finite elements which determines theoretically the mechanical behavior of a lung-shaped body loaded by its own weight. The results of this theoretical analysis have been compared with actual measurements of alveolar size and pleural pressures in animal lungs.

Matthews, F. L.↗

NASA NTRS2013

Structural Dynamics and Data Analysis

This project consists of two parts, the first will be the post-flight analysis of data from a Delta IV launch vehicle, and the second will be a Finite Element Analysis of a CubeSat. Shock and vibration data was collected on WGS-5 (Wideband Global SATCOM- 5) which was launched on a Delta IV launch vehicle. Using CAM (CAlculation with Matrices) software, the data is to be plotted into Time History, Shock Response Spectrum, and SPL (Sound Pressure Level) curves. In this format the data is to be reviewed and compared to flight instrumentation data from previous flights of the same launch vehicle. This is done to ensure the current mission environments, such as shock, random vibration, and acoustics, are not out of family with existing flight experience. In family means the peaks on the SRS curve for WGS-5 are similar to the peaks from the previous flights and there are no major outliers. The curves from the data will then be compiled into a useful format so that is can be peer reviewed then presented before an engineering review board if required. Also, the reviewed data will be uploaded to the Engineering Review Board Information System (ERBIS) to archive. The second part of this project is conducting Finite Element Analysis of a CubeSat. In 2010, Merritt Island High School partnered with NASA to design, build and launch a CubeSat. The team is now called StangSat in honor of their mascot, the mustang. Over the past few years, the StangSat team has built a satellite and has now been manifested for flight on a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch in 2014. To prepare for the final launch, a test flight was conducted in Mojave, California. StangSat was launched on a Prospector 18D, a high altitude rocket made by Garvey Spacecraft Corporation, along with their sister satellite CP9 built by California Polytechnic University. However, StangSat was damaged during an off nominal landing and this project will give beneficial insights into what loads the CubeSat experienced during the crash. During the year, the MIHS students generated a SolidWorks (CAD software) geometry model of StangSat. This model will be imported into FEMAP (Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Software) and a finite element model wiiJ be created to predict the loads encountered during the crash of this rocket. This analysis will require learning how to import CAD models into the FEM, mesh and add constraints and concentrated masses to represent components inside the CubeSat frame, such as circuit boards, batteries and accelerometers. During the analysis the loads will be varied, in effort to duplicate the damage to the CubeSat. Results will then be peer reviewed and documented.

Luthman, Briana L.↗

NASA NTRS2019

Effect of Phenolic Matrix Microcracking on the Structural Response of a 3-D Woven Thermal Protection System

The effect of microcracking in the phenolic matrix of a three-dimensional woven thermal protection system (TPS) and the resulting material stiffness reduction was studied via a comparison of finite element analysis results from a linear analysis and an iterative linear analysis. A TPS is necessary to protect space vehicles from the aerodynamic heating of planetary entry. The Heatshield for Extreme Entry Environment Technology (HEEET) project has developed a TPS for use in high heat-flux and pressure missions. The material is a dual-layer continuous dry weave, which is then infiltrated with a low-density phenolic resin matrix to form a rigid ablator. The phenolic resin matrix does not have structural load transfer requirements, and testing has shown that the phenolic resin can fully satisfy thermal requirements when the matrix contains microcracks. Due to high stresses in the through-the-thickness direction of the material, phenolic microcracks may form in the matrix material, which would result in a reduction of stiffness. An exploratory study was conducted to determine if reduction in material stiffness would change the load paths and/or decrease the structural margins. A comparison was performed between a linear finite element analysis that did not take into account phenolic microcracking and an iterative linear finite element analysis that accounted for propagation of phenolic microcracking. Four subcases using varying assumptions were analyzed and the results indicate that the assumed strength at which the phenolic microcracking propagates was the critical parameter for determining the extent of microcracking in the phenolic matrix. Phenolic microcracking does not have an adverse effect on the structural response of the test article and is not a critical failure.

Langston, Sarah L.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Large-amplitude finite element flutter analysis of composite panels in hypersonic flow

Consideration is given to a finite-element approach for determining the nonlinear flutter characteristics of 3D thin laminated composite panels using the full third-order-piston transverse-loading aerodynamic theory. The unsteady hypersonic aerodynamic theory and the von Karman large-deflection-plate theory are used to formulate the aeroelasticity problem. Nonlinear flutter analyses are performed to assess the influence of the higher-order aerodynamic theory on the structure's limit-cycle amplitude and the dynamic pressure of the flow velocity. A solution procedure is presented to solve the nonlinear panel flutter and large-amplitude free-vibration finite-element equations. Nonlinear flutter analyses are performed for different boundary support-conditions and for various system parameters. Linear finite-element flutter for isotropic and composite panels and large-amplitude isotropic panel flutter results are compared with existing classical solutions. The large-amplitude panel flutter results using the full third-order piston aerodynamic theory are presented to assess the influence of the nonlinear aerodynamic theory.

Gray, Carl E., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Analytical and experimental study of a standing torus with normal loads

Finite element analysis is applied to study the large deflection and stress of a thin-walled pressurized torus loaded by normal contact with a plane. Experimentally determined stresses are compared to those resulting from finite element analysis at various meridional and circumferential coordinates of the torus, including the footprint area. Circumferential strains compare favorably while meridional strains are higher in the finite element analysis, probably due to slippage of the boundary at the rim. The STAGS finite element computer program was used. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the various program options for structural loading, for material modeling, for stress analysis, and for grid refinement. The experimental model, a thin-walled rubber tube mounted on a steel cylindrical rim, provided measured results to compare with various analytical trade-offs. It was found that there was almost no difference in predicted deflections or stress distributions between linear and nonlinear material description. However, the difference between linear analysis and that of geometric nonlinearities utilizing incremental loading was marked.

Mack, M. J., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1979

A critical examination of stresses in an elastic single lap joint

The results of an approximate nonlinear finite-element analysis of a single lap joint are presented and compared with the results of a linear finite-element analysis, and the geometric nonlinear effects caused by the load-path eccentricity on the adhesive stress distributions are determined. The results from finite-element, Goland-Reissner, and photoelastic analyses show that for a single lap joint the effect of the geometric nonlinear behavior of the joint has a sizable effect on the stresses in the adhesive. The Goland-Reissner analysis is sufficiently accurate in the prediction of stresses along the midsurface of the adhesive bond to be used for qualitative evaluation of the influence of geometric or material parametric variations. Detailed stress distributions in both the adherend and adhesive obtained from the finite-element analysis are presented to provide a basis for comparison with other solution techniques.

Cooper, P. A.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Structural analysis of turbine blades using unified constitutive models

The utility of advanced constitutive models and structural analysis methods in predicting the cyclic life of an air-cooled turbine blade is assessed. Five structural analysis methods were exercised in calculating the cyclic stress-strain response at the airfoil critical location. The methods studied were a cyclic elastic finite-element analysis, nonlinear finite-element analyses based on classical inelastic models and the unified models of Bodner and Walker, and a simplified inelastic procedure. These analyses were compared in terms of computing times and of predicted crack initiation lives using the Strainrange Partitioning method.

Kaufman, A.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Interactive color graphical postprocessing as a unifying influence in numerical analysis research

The general capabilities and the hardware environment of an interactive color graphical postprocessor for three-dimensional numerical analysis are described as well as the synergistic influence of this aspect of interactive graphics on the research environment. Areas of practical concern include finite element analysis, fracture propagation, surface and framed structures. The interactive color graphical postprocessor, POSTPRO3D, is capable of displaying the scalar, vector, and tensor results of finite difference, finite element, and boundary element analysis. In the case of fatigue cracking in steel crane-rail girders, it was shown that POSTPRO3D offers a high level of flexibility, interactivity and features which minimize response time.

Abel, J. F.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Application of the p-version of the finite-element method to global-local problems

A brief survey is given of some recent developments in finite-element analysis technology which bear upon the three main research areas under consideration in this workshop: (1) analysis methods; (2) software testing and quality assurance; and (3) parallel processing. The variational principle incorporated in a finite-element computer program, together with a particular set of input data, determines the exact solution corresponding to that input data. Most finite-element analysis computer programs are based on the principle of virtual work. In the following, researchers consider only programs based on the principle of virtual work and denote the exact displacement vector field corresponding to some specific set of input data by vector u(EX). The exact solution vector u(EX) is independent of the design of the mesh or the choice of elements. Except for very simple problems, or specially constructed test problems, vector u(EX) is not known. Researchers perform a finite-element analysis (or any other numerical analysis) because they wish to make conclusions concerning the response of a physical system to certain imposed conditions, as if vector u(EX) were known.

Szabo, Barna A.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Numerical Analysis Of Interlaminar-Fracture Toughness

Finite-element analysis applied in conjunction with strain-energy and micromechanical concepts. Computational procedure involves local, local-crack-closure, and/or the "unique" local-crack-closure method developed at NASA Lewis Research Center, for mathematical modeling of ENF and MMF. Methods based on three-dimensional finite-element analysis in conjunction with concept of strain-energy-release rate and with micromechanics of composite materials. Assists in interpretation of ENF and MMF fracture tests performed to obtain fracture-toughness parameters, by enabling evaluation of states of stress likely to induce interlaminar fractures.

Chamis, C. C.↗