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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.

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At least 505 records · Page 28
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1992

Scale effects in the response and failure of fiber reinforced composite laminates loaded in tension and in flexure

The feasibility of using scale model testing for predicting the full-scale behavior of flat composite coupons loaded in tension and beam-columns loaded in flexure is examined. Classical laws of similitude are applied to fabricate and test replica model specimens to identify scaling effects in the load response, strength, and mode of failure. Experiments were performed on graphite-epoxy composite specimens having different laminate stacking sequences and a range of scaled sizes. From the experiments it was deduced that the elastic response of scaled composite specimens was independent of size. However, a significant scale effect in strength was observed. In addition, a transition in failure mode was observed among scaled specimens of certain laminate stacking sequences. A Weibull statistical model and a fracture mechanics based model were applied to predict the strength scale effect since standard failure criteria cannot account for the influence of absolute specimen size on strength.

Jackson, Karen E.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Assessment of impact damage of composite rocket motor cases

This contract reviewed the available literature on mechanisms of low velocity impact damage in filament wound rocket motor cases, MDE methods to quantify damage, critical coupon level test methods, manufacturing and material process variables and empirical and analytical modeling off impact damage. The critical design properties for rocket motor cases are biaxial hoop and axial tensile strength. Low velocity impact damage is insidious because it can create serious nonvisible damage at very low impact velocities. In thick rocket motor cases the prevalent low velocity impact damage is fiber fracture and matrix cracking adjacent to the front face. In contrast, low velocity loading of thin wall cylinders induces flexure, depending on span length and the flexure induces delamination and tensile cracking on the back face wall opposed to impact occurs due to flexural stresses imposed by impact loading. Important NDE methods for rocket motor cases are non-contacting methods that allow inspection from one side. Among these are vibrothermography, and pulse-echo methods based on acoustic-ultrasonic methods. High resolution techniques such as x-ray computed tomography appear to have merit for accurate geometrical characterization of local damage to support development of analytical models of micromechanics. The challenge of coupon level testing is to reproduce the biaxial stress state that the full scale article experiences, and to determine how to scale the composite structure to model full sized behavior. Biaxial tensile testing has been performed by uniaxially tensile loading internally pressurized cylinders. This is experimentally difficult due to gripping problems and pressure containment. Much prior work focused on uniaxial tensile testing of model filament wound cylinders. Interpretation of the results of some studies is complicated by the fact that the fabrication process did not duplicate full scale manufacturing. It is difficult to scale results from testing subscale cylinders since there are significant differences in out time of the resins relative to full scale cylinder fabrication, differences in hoop fiber tensioning and unsatisfactory coupon configurations. It appears that development of a new test method for subscale cylinders is merited. Damage tolerance may be improved by material optimization that uses fiber treatments and matrix modifications to control the fiber matrix interface bonding. It is difficult to develop process optimization in subscale cylinders without also modeling the longer out times resins experience in full scale testing. A major breakthrough in characterizing the effect of impact damage on residual strength, and understanding how to scale results of subscale evaluations, will be a sound micromechanical model that described progressive failure of the composite. Such models will utilize a three dimensional stress analysis due to the complex nature of low velocity impact stresses in thick composites. When these models are coupled with non-contact NDE methods that geometrically characterize the damage and acoustic methods that characterize the effective local elastic properties, accurate assessment of residual strength from impact damage may be possible. Directions for further development are suggested.

Paris, Henry G.↗
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 NTRS1979

Fabrication and testing of non-graphitic superhybrid composites

A study was conducted to determine the fabrication feasibility and the mechanical properties of adhesively-bonded boron aluminum/titanium and non-graphitic fiber/epoxy resin superhybrid (NGSH) composite laminates for potential aerospace applications. The major driver for this study was the elimination of a potential graphite fiber release problem in the event of a fire. The results of the study show that non-graphitic fibers, such as S-glass and Kevlar 49, may be substituted for the graphite fibers used in superhybrid (SH) composites for some applications. As is to be expected, however, the non-graphitic superhybrids have lower stiffness properties than the graphitic superhybrids. In-plane and flexural moduli of the laminates studied in this program can be predicted reasonably well using linear laminate theory while nonlinear laminate theory is required for strength predictions.

Lark, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Anelastic deformation of boron fibers

The flexural deformation behavior of vapor-deposited boron fibers was examined from 100 to 1100 K by stress-relaxation and internal friction techniques. Only strong thermally-activated anelasticity was observed with no evidence of plasticity up to surface strains of 0.006. The parameters governing the relaxation processes within the anelastic spectra of as-received and annealed fibers were determined. These parameters were correlated with X-ray structure studies to develop preliminary models for the sources of boron's anelasticity. The large relaxation strengths of the dominant Ia processes coupled with their relaxation times and energies suggest a sliding mechanism between certain basic structural subunits common to both the beta-rhombohedral and vapor-deposited boron structures.

Dicarlo, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Effects of real-time thermal aging on graphite/polyimide composites

As part of a program to evaluate high-temperature advanced composites for use on supersonic cruise transport aircraft, two graphite/polyimide composites have been aged at elevated temperatures for times up to 5.7 years. Work on the first, HT-S/710 graphite/polyimide, was started in 1974. Evaluation of the second polyimide, Celion 6000/LARC-160, began in 1980. Baseline properties are presented, including unnotched and notched tensile data as a function of temperature, compression, flexure, shear, and constant-amplitude fatigue data at R = 0.1 and R = -1. Tensile specimens were aged in ovens where pressure and aging temperatures were controlled for various times up to and including 50,000 hours. Changes in tensile strength were determined and plotted as a function of aging time. The HT-S/710 composite aged at 450 F and 550 F if compared to the Celion 6000/LARC-160 composite aged at 350 F and 450 F. After tensile testing, many of the thermal aging specimens were examined using a scanning electron microscope. Results of these studies are presented, and changes in properties and degradation mechanisms during high-temperature aging are discussed and illustrated using metallographic techniques.

Haskins, J. F.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Additive manufacturing of strong silica sand structures enabled by polyethyleneimine binder

Abstract Binder Jet Additive Manufacturing (BJAM) is a versatile AM technique that can form parts from a variety of powdered materials including metals, ceramics, and polymers. BJAM utilizes inkjet printing to selectively bind these powder particles together to form complex geometries. Adoption of BJAM has been limited due to its inability to form strong green parts using conventional binders. We report the discovery of a versatile polyethyleneimine (PEI) binder for silica sand that doubled the flexural strength of parts to 6.28 MPa compared with that of the conventional binder, making it stronger than unreinforced concrete (~4.5 MPa) in flexural loading. Furthermore, we demonstrate that PEI in the printed parts can be reacted with ethyl cyanoacrylate through a secondary infiltration, resulting in an increase in flexural strength to 52.7 MPa. The strong printed parts coupled with the ability for sacrificial washout presents potential to revolutionize AM in various applications including construction and tooling.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1988

Pultrusion Process Development for Long Space Boom Model

Long flexible-boom models were required to develop ground-vibration test methods for very-low-frequency space structures with applications to the proposed Space Station. Pultruded quasi-isotropic composite beams were selected as an option over extruded aluminum alloy structures because of the lower cost potential, the higher specific strength, the flexural properties, and the dynamic similarity considerations. The reinforcement material that was used was biaxial (0 deg/90 deg) fiberglass roving held in place with knitted polyester yarn such that equal fiber volume in 0 deg and 90 deg orientations provided nearly equal strength in both longitudinal and transverse directions. An isophthalic polyester resin system was used as the matrix. Continuous lengths up to 270 ft were easily pultruded with biaxial fabric. Tracking problems were encountered with similar unidirectional fabrics. Analyses of processing problems were conducted to determine causes for delamination, scaling, and sloughing. Ultrasonic C-scanning and scanning electron microscope examinations were conducted as well as mechanical testing to failure. Test results indicate that pultrusion processes can be used to produce quasi-isotropic composite structures.

Wilson, Maywood L.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Cryogenic Characterization and Testing of Magnetically-Actuated Microshutter Arrays for the James Webb Space Telescope

Two-dimensional MEMS microshutter arrays (MSA) have been fabricated at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to enable cryogenic (approximately 35 K) spectrographic astronomy measurements in the near-infrared region. Functioning as a focal plane object selection device, the MSA is a 2-D programmable aperture mask with fine resolution, high efficiency and high contrast. The MSA are close- packed silicon nitride shutters (cell size of 100 x 200 microns) patterned with a torsion flexure to allow opening to 90 degrees. A layer of magnetic material is deposited onto each shutter to permit magnetic actuation. Two electrodes are deposited, one onto each shutter and another onto the support structure side-wall, permitting electrostatic latching and 2-D addressing. New techniques were developed to test MSA under mission-similar conditions (8 K less than or equal to T less than 300K). The magnetic rotisserie has proven to be an excellent tool for rapid characterization of MSA. Tests conducted with the magnetic rotisserie method include accelerated cryogenic lifetesting of unpackaged 128 x 64 MSA and parallel measurement of the magneto-mechanical stiffness of shutters in pathfinder test samples containing multiple MSA designs. Lifetest results indicate a logarithmic failure rate out to approximately 10(exp 6) shutter actuations. These results have increased our understanding of failure mechanisms and provide a means to predict the overall reliability of MSA devices.

King, T. T.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Biaxial steel plated concrete constitutive models for composite structures: Implementation and validation

The Steel-plated Concrete (SC) technique is an alternative construction technique with faster onsite construction speed, reduced construction time, and increased structural performance. Aiming to predict the force transfer mechanism of SC elements, an innovative constitutive model package is proposed by implementing experimental-based biaxial steel plate concrete models into the nonlinear finite element (FE) model “Membrane Model of SC (MM-CS).” First, the formulation and implementation of the MM-SC is illustrated in detail, including the equilibrium and compatibility equations and the implementation of constitutive models. Next, various experimental data of SC members are selected and simulated using the proposed MM-SC model. In this research, two types of structures, SC panels and framed SC shear walls, and three types of loading conditions, including uniaxial compression, pure shear, and combined axial-flexural-shear tests, are analyzed respectively. Good agreements were obtained between the reported results and the FE simulation results in terms of yield capacity and ultimate capacity, proving the reliability of the implemented analytical constitutive material models and the biaxial membrane model formulations.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Multiscale Mechanical Characterization of Mineral-Reinforced Wood Cell Walls

Studying the multiscale mechanics of bio-based composites offers unique perspectives on underlying structure–property relations. Cellular materials, such as wood, are highly organized, hierarchical assemblies of load-bearing structural elements that respond to mechanical stimuli at the microscopic, mesoscopic and macroscopic scale. In this study, we modified oak wood with nanocrystalline ferrihydrite, a widespread ferric oxyhydroxide mineral, and characterized the resulting mechanical properties of the composite at various levels of organization. Ferrihydrite nanoparticles were deposited inside the wood cell wall by an in situ chemical reaction, resulting in increased stiffness and hardness of the functionalized secondary cell wall, as evidenced by region-specific nanoindentation tests under an electron microscope. Chemically modified and pristine wood samples were characterized by using atomic force microscopy in the bimodal frequency modulation mode, which produced topographical images from the cellular ultrastructure with high lateral resolution and localized nanomechanical information across distinct cell wall layers. In conclusion, despite mineral reinforcement at the cell wall level, the macroscopic fracture behavior examined through three-point flexural testing remained unchanged upon modification, as cell–cell adhesion could be impaired by harsh chemical conditions.

Cells↗
NASA NTRS1999

"Ultra"-Fast Fracture Strength of Advanced Structural Ceramic Materials Studied at Elevated Temperatures

The accurate determination of inert strength is important in reliable life prediction of structural ceramic components. At ambient temperature, the inert strength of a brittle material is typically regarded as free of the effects of slow crack growth due to stress corrosion. Therefore, the inert strength can be determined either by eliminating active species, especially moisture, with an appropriate inert medium, or by using a very high test rate. However, at elevated temperatures, the concept or definition of the inert strength of brittle ceramic materials is not clear, since temperature itself is a degrading environment, resulting in strength degradation through slow crack growth and/or creep. Since the mechanism to control strength is rate-dependent viscous flow, the only conceivable way to determine the inert strength at elevated temperatures is to utilize a very fast test rate that either minimizes the time for or eliminates slow crack growth. Few experimental studies have measured the elevated-temperature, inert (or "ultra"-fast fracture) strength of advanced ceramics. At the NASA Lewis Research Center, an experimental study was initiated to better understand the "ultra"-fast fracture strength behavior of advanced ceramics at elevated temperatures. Fourteen advanced ceramics - one alumina, eleven silicon nitrides, and two silicon carbides - have been tested using constant stress-rate (dynamic fatigue) testing in flexure with a series of stress rates including the "ultra"-fast stress rate of 33 000 MPa/sec with digitally controlled test frames. The results for these 14 advanced ceramics indicate that, notwithstanding possible changes in flaw populations as well as flaw configurations because of elevated temperatures, the strength at 33 000 MPa/sec approached the room-temperature strength or reached a higher value than that determined at the conventional test rate of 30 MPa/sec. On the basis of the experimental data, it can be stated that the elevated-temperature, inert strength of an advanced ceramic material can be defined as the strength where no slow crack growth takes place at the temperature.

Choi, Sung R.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Chemical, Physical, and Mechanical Characterization of Isocyanate Cross-linked Amine-Modified Silica Aerogels

We describe a new mechanically strong lightweight porous composite material obtained by encapsulating the skeletal framework of amine-modified silica aerogels with polyurea. The conformal polymer coating preserves the mesoporous structure of the underlying silica framework and the thermal conductivity remains low at 0.041 plus or minus 0.001 W m(sup -1 K(sup -1). The potential of the new cross-linked silica aerogels for load-carrying applications was determined through characterization of their mechanical behavior under compression, three-point bending, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). A primary glass transition temperature of 130 C was identified through DMA. At room temperature, results indicate a hyperfoam behavior where in compression cross-linked aerogels are linearly elastic under small strains (less than 4%) and then exhibit yield behavior (until 40% strain), followed by densification and inelastic hardening. At room temperature the compressive Young's modulus and the Poisson's ratio were determined to be 129 plus or minus 8 MPa and 0.18, respectively, while the strain at ultimate failure is 77% and the average specific compressive stress at ultimate failure is 3.89 x 10(exp 5) N m kg(sup -1). The specific flexural strength is 2.16 x 10(exp 4) N m kg(sup -1). Effects on the compressive behavior of strain rate and low temperature were also evaluated.

Katti, Atul↗
DOE OSTI2023

Residual Stresses Affect Cell Fragment Movement

Predictive modeling tools such as the finite element method can be of tremendous help in assessing the reliability and long-term performance of photovoltaic modules. In order to obtain accurate results, the proper modeling of materials and manufacturing processes are of utmost importance. Module fabrication introduces thermo-mechanical stresses inside the module laminate, which need to be accounted for as residual stresses in finite element simulations. We found that cell fragment movement and crack opening displacements of fractured silicon cells within modules are affected by those residual stresses. Cell cracking remains a challenging topic in assessing the reliability and durability of damaged modules. Hence, accurately quantifying the separation and movement between cell fragments creates the foundation for establishing reliable lifetime and performance assessments of fractured silicon modules. Here, we present a modeling approach that uses upper and lower bounds to accurately account for the residual stresses introduced by the module lamination process. We designed a four-point flexure coupon test of a laminated, fractured silicon strip to validate our numerical results and found good agreement between our modeling methodology and the experimental data. Finally, we discuss the implications of the residual stresses on the normal crack opening and metallization wear-out of fractured silicon cells.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1975

Anelastic deformation of boron fibers

The flexural deformation behavior of vapor-deposited boron fibers is investigated in the temperature range from 100 to 1100 K by stress-relaxation and internal friction methods. Strong thermally-activated anelasticity is uniquely observed, and no evidence of plasticity is found up to surface strains of 0.006. The parameters governing the relaxation processes within the anelastic spectra of untreated and annealed fibers are determined and correlated with the results of X-ray structural studies to develop preliminary models for the possible causes of boron's anelasticity. The large relaxation strengths of the dominant Ia processes together with their relaxation times and energies are shown to suggest a sliding mechanism between certain basic structural subunits common to both the beta-rhombohedral and vapor-deposited boron structures.

Dicarlo, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Imide modified epoxy matrix resins

High char yield epoxy using novel bisimide amines (BIA's) as curing agents with a state of the art epoxy resin was developed. Stoichiometric quantities of the epoxy resin and the BIA's were studied to determine the cure cycle required for preparation of resin specimens. The bisimide cured epoxies were designated IME's (imide modified epoxy). The physical, thermal and mechanical properties of these novel resins were determined. The levels of moisture absorption exhibited by the bisimide amine cured expoxies (IME's) were considerably lower than the state of the art epoxies. The strain-to-failure of the control resin system was improved 25% by replacement of DDS with 6F-DDS. Each BIA containing resin exhibited twice the char yield of the control resin MY 720/DDS. Graphite fiber reinforced control (C) and IME resins were fabricated and characterized. Two of the composite systems showed superior properties compared to the other Celion 6000/IME composite systems and state of the art graphite epoxy systems. The two systems exhibited excellent wet shear and flexural strengths and moduli at 300 and 350 F.

Scola, D. A.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Framework for Characterizing the Performance of High-Early Strength, High-Volume Fly Ash (HVFA) Concrete Structures

This presentation will highlight the development of a comprehensive framework to characterize the performance of high-volume fly ash (HVFA) concretes at early ages and discuss the resulting implications for concrete structures built using such materials. Achieving high-early compressive and/or flexural strength is often of particular importance for precast and/or prestressed concrete components – due to early age loading demands resulting from lifting, handling, or application of initial prestress – or other types of concrete structures that can significantly benefit from rapid strength development - such as for bridge deck repairs. The framework first includes a methodology for optimizing the strength of HVFA cementitious binders before subsequently scaling up the technology to evaluation of fresh and hardened HVFA concrete performance. A series of trial mix designs will be presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the framework to achieve not only the desired high-early strength targets but also satisfactory workability, often in the form of self-consolidating concrete. Mechanical performance was evaluated at several age-dependent milestones and, in conjunction with estimating concrete strength using the maturity method, was ultimately used to facilitate the development of novel strength development history curves. By way of these datasets, concrete mechanical properties were utilized in the design of prototype structural components, such as beams and wall panels, for subjection to larger-scale experimental testing. Implications for other pertinent HVFA concrete performance attributes, such as shrinkage or creep, will also be discussed. The framework also includes a comprehensive methodology for evaluating the environmental life-cycle performance of HVFA concrete structures focused on mitigating any unwarranted environmental consequences resulting from beneficial HVFA reuse in concrete. Strategies for more widespread implementation of HVFA concrete materials into construction practice will also be presented. Lastly, the role of the HVFA concrete framework towards the development of new provisions for building codes and/or design standards, and recommendations for future research needs will also be discussed.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
NASA NTRS1973

Analysis of the dynamics and frequency spectrum synthesis of an optical-mechanical scanning device

A two-coordinate optical-mechanical scanning device (OMSD), the operating unit of which is a scanning disk, with directional and focusing optics and a board, on which the data carrier is placed, is examined. The disk and board are kinematically connected by a transmission mechanism, consisting of a worm and complex gear drive and a tightening screw-nut with correcting device, and it is run by a synchronous type motor. The dynamic errors in the system depend, first, on irregularities in rotation of the disk, fluctuations in its axis and vibrations of the table in the plane parallel to the plane of the disk. The basic sources of the fluctuations referred to above are residual disbalance of the rotor and other rotating masses, the periodic component of the driving torque of the synchronous motor, variability in the resistance, kinematic errors in the drive and other things. The fluctuations can be transmitted to the operating units through the kinematic link as a flexural-torsional system, as well as through vibrations of the housing of the device.

Andryushkevichyus, A. I.↗