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At least 55 records · Page 3

A New Approach to Fibrous Composite Laminate Strength Prediction

A method of predicting the strength of cross-plied fibrous composite laminates is based on expressing the classical maximum-shear-stress failure criterion for ductile metals in terms of strains. Starting with such a formulation for classical isotropic materials, the derivation is extended to orthotropic materials having a longitudinal axis of symmetry, to represent the fibers in a unidirectional composite lamina. The only modification needed to represent those same fibers with properties normalized to the lamina rather than fiber is a change in axial modulus. A mirror image is added to the strain-based lamina failure criterion for fiber-dominated failures to reflect the cutoffs due to the presence of orthogonal fibers. It is found that the combined failure envelope is now identical with the well-known maximum-strain failure model in the tension-tension and compression-compression quadrants but is truncated in the shear quadrants. The successive application of this simple failure model for fibers in the 0/90 degree and +/- 45 degree orientations, in turn, is shown to be the necessary and sufficient characterization of the fiber-dominated failures of laminates made from fibers having the same tensile and compressive strengths. When one such strength is greater than the other, the failure envelope is appropriately truncated for the lesser direct strain. The shear-failure cutoffs are now based on the higher axial strain to failure since they occur at lower strains than and are usually not affected by such mechanisms as microbuckling. Premature matrix failures can also be covered by appropriately truncating the fiber failure envelope. Matrix failures are excluded from consideration for conventional fiber/polymer composites but the additional features needed for a more rigorous analysis of exotic materials are covered. The new failure envelope is compared with published biaxial test data. The theory is developed for unnotched laminates but is easily shrunk to incorporate reductions to allow for bolt holes, cutouts, reduced compressive strength after impact, and the like.

Hart-Smith, L. J.↗

Novel Composites for Wing and Fuselage Applications

Design development was successfully completed for textile preforms with continuous cross-stiffened epoxy panels with cut-outs. The preforms developed included 3-D angle interlock weaving of graphite structural fibers impregnated by resin film infiltration (RFI) and shown to be structurally suitable under conditions requiring minimum acquisition costs. Design guidelines/analysis methodology for such textile structures are given. The development was expanded to a fuselage side-panel component of a subsonic commercial airframe and found to be readily scalable. The successfully manufactured panel was delivered to NASA Langley for biaxial testing. This report covers the work performed under Task 3 -- Cross-Stiffened Subcomponent; Task 4 -- Design Guidelines/Analysis of Textile-Reinforced Composites; and Task 5 -- Integrally Woven Fuselage Panel.

Suarez, J. A.↗

Finite Element Modeling Used to Study Stress Distribution on the Foot

A method to study the stress distribution inside the forefoot during walking was developed at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation by a researcher from the NASA Glenn Research Center. In this method, a semiautomated process was outlined to create a three-dimensional, patient-specific, finite element model (FEM) of the forefoot using magnetic resonance images (MRI). The images were processed in Matlab using the k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) classification algorithm and Sobel edge detection to separate the different tissue types: bone, skin, fat, and muscle. This information was used to create curves and surfaces that were exported to an FEM preprocessor known as Truegrid. In Truegrid, eight-noded or brick elements were created by using surface mapping. The FEM was processed and postprocessed in Abaqus. Material properties of the models were obtained from past experiments such as fat pad confined compression, skin axial and biaxial tests, muscle in vivo compressive tests, and reference literature (bone properties). Nonlinear (hyperelastic) material models were used for the skin (epidermis and dermis), fat, and muscles; and a linear elastic model was used for the bones. Muscle activation during walking yielded uncertainties in the muscle material model since contracted muscles are stiffer than relaxed muscles. These uncertainties were resolved by performing a sensitivity analysis of the muscle material properties. The original properties were multiplied by arbitrary factors of 2, 3, 0.5, and 0.33. The strain and stress distributions, as well as the locations of peak values, were similar in all cases. The peak contact pressure P obtained for each case varied with respect to the applied factor f as follows:

Morales, Nelson↗

Failure Study of Composite Materials by the Yeh-Stratton Criterion

The newly developed Yeh-Stratton (Y-S) Strength Criterion was used to study the failure of composite materials with central holes and normal cracks. To evaluate the interaction parameters for the Y-S failure theory, it is necessary to perform several biaxial loading tests. However, it is indisputable that the inhomogeneous and anisotropic nature of composite materials have made their own contribution to the complication of the biaxial testing problem. To avoid the difficulties of performing many biaxial tests and still consider the effects of the interaction term in the Y-S Criterion, a simple modification of the Y-S Criterion was developed. The preliminary predictions by the modified Y-S Criterion were relatively conservative compared to the testing data. Thus, the modified Y-S Criterion could be used as a design tool. To further understand the composite failure problem, an investigation of the damage zone in front of the crack tip coupled with the Y-S Criterion is imperative.

Yeh, Hsien-Yang↗

Cyclic fatigue damage characteristics observed for simple loadings extended to multiaxial life prediction

Fully reversed uniaxial strain controlled fatigue tests were performed on smooth cylindrical specimens made of 304 stainless steel. Fatigue life data and cracking observations for uniaxial tests were compared with life data and cracking behavior observed in fully reversed torsional tests. It was determined that the product of maximum principle strain amplitude and maximum principle stress provided the best correlation of fatigue lives for these two loading conditions. Implementation of this parameter is in agreement with observed physical damage and it accounts for the variation of stress-strain response, which is unique to specific loading conditions. Biaxial fatigue tests were conducted on tubular specimens employing both in-phase and out-of-phase tension torsion cyclic strain paths. Cracking observations indicated that the physical damage which occurred in the biaxial tests was similar to the damage observed in uniaxial and torsional tests. The Smith, Watson, and Topper parameter was then extended to predict the fatigue lives resulting from the more complex loading conditions.

Jones, David J.↗

An Evolutionary Yield Function Model Based on Plastic Work and Non-Associated Flow Rule

A constitutive law was developed based on the evolutionary yield function to account for the evolution of anisotropy induced by the plastic deformation. For the effective description of anisotropy, the yield stress function and plastic potential were separately defined based on the non-associated flow rule. In particular, for the description of the equivalent status, the accumulated plastic work was employed as an alternative to the accumulated plastic strain. Numerical formulations based on the plastic work were also derived in case the hardening rule, as well as the evolution of the plastic potential and yield stress function, were defined in terms of the plastic work. The developed constitutive law was characterized using the mechanical properties of the multi-phase BAO QP980 steel and niobium sheets at room temperature. From the uniaxial tension tests and the balanced biaxial tension test, separate sets of anisotropic coefficients for each of the plastic potential and yield stress functions were obtained as a function of the plastic work. By comparing with non-evolving yield functions, the importance of the developed constitutive law to properly describe the evolution of the plastic potential and yield function were validated.

Park, Taejoon↗

Equibiaxial flexural strength determination of UO 2 using a ball-on-ring test

To increase nuclear fuel performance and reliability, their mechanical properties require an accurate and statistically relevant assessment. Biaxial flexural strength tests provide an alternative to bend bar techniques for assessing mechanical behavior; namely, the transverse rupture strength (TRS) of ceramic samples. Biaxial test samples require simple geometries and minimal surface preparation, reducing fabrication costs and handling hazards. This study investigated the TRS of polycrystalline UO 2 fuel forms at room temperature using a ball-on-ring test fixture. Here, pellets were fabricated from UO 2 powder using conventional powder processing and sintering techniques. The TRS and Weibull parameters were obtained through Weibull statistics on over 60 UO 2 samples tested under equibiaxial flexure. The larger sample size in this study enabled a more robust Weibull statistical analysis than alternative test methods, which may not capture the stochastic failure of typical ceramics. Furthermore, two different loading ball diameters were employed to assess the impact of contact damage on fracture strength. While Hertzian contact damage was observed with the smaller loading ball, the fracture strength remained unaffected. A fracture analysis of the tested UO 2 samples indicated a mixture of intergranular and transgranular fracture that transitions to transgranular fracture with increasing distance from the fracture origin. The characteristic strength of the combined data sets was determined to be 148 MPa, and the Weibull modulus was determined to be 9.1. The TRS values and Weibull parameters were close to values found in the literature for alternative testing techniques using samples with similar microstructure and density. The findings in this study validate the ball-on-ring method used to obtain the TRS of UO 2 with a sample geometry more representative of nuclear fuels. Additionally, experimental TRS results from this study can be implemented in modeling codes to predict fuel performance, which is critical to fuel burnup extension and advanced nuclear fuel technologies.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Compression testing of ceramics

The techniques for determining the compressive strengths of the rapidly developing family of super-strong, but brittle, materials is considered. The uniaxial column compression test is discussed, taking into account the loading block size mismatch, the loading block compliance mismatch, the load transmitting surfaces, and the eccentricity of loading. A description of the uniaxial hollow cylinder compression test is also provided, giving attention to premature failure from compliance tube splitting, stresses from compliance mismatch of the loading block, and premature failure from local rotations. The ring compression test is considered along with the hollow cylinder biaxial compression test.

Sines, G.↗

Biaxial constitutive modelling and testing of a single crystal superalloy at elevated temperatures

A viscoplastic constitutive model for single crystal superalloys is developed from crystallographic slip theory. The model is applied to the tension and torsion deformation behavior of the single crystal superalloy PWA 1480 at 871 C (1600 F). Both octahedral and cube slip behavior are needed to model the deformation behavior of single crystal superalloys at elevated temperature.

Walker, K. P.↗

Design and Evaluation of Composite Fuselage Panels Subjected to Combined Loading Conditions

Methodologies used in industry for designing transport aircraft composite fuselage structures are discussed. Several aspects of the design methodologies are based on assumptions from metallic fuselage technology which requires that full-scale structures be tested with the actual loading conditions to validate the designs. Composite panels which represent crown and side regions of a fuselage structure are designed using this approach and tested in biaxial tension. Descriptions of the state-of-the-art test facilities used for this structural evaluation are presented. These facilities include a pressure-box test machine and a D-box test fixture in a combined loads test machine which are part of a Combined Loads Test System (COLTS). Nonlinear analysis results for a reference shell and a stiffened composite panel tested in the pressure-box test machine with and without damage are presented. The analytical and test results are compared to assess the ability of the pressure-box test machine to simulate a shell stress state with and without damage. A combined loads test machine for testing aircraft primary structures is described. This test machine includes a D-box test fixture to accommodate curved stiffened panels and the design features of this test fixture are presented. Finite element analysis results for a curved panel to be tested in the D-box test fixture are also discussed.

Ambur, Damodar R.↗

Testing panels in shear and biaxial compression

Hydraulic jacks simultaneously apply torsion, axial compression, and lateral compression to structural panels. Jacks are suitable for testing large panels used in aircraft, lightweight trucks, and buses.

Neary, J. K.↗

Analyses of Failure Mechanisms and Residual Stresses in Graphite/Polyimide Composites Subjected to Shear Dominated Biaxial Loads

This research contributes to the understanding of macro- and micro-failure mechanisms in woven fabric polyimide matrix composites based on medium and high modulus graphite fibers tested under biaxial, shear dominated stress conditions over a temperature range of -50 C to 315 C. The goal of this research is also to provide a testing methodology for determining residual stress distributions in unidirectional, cross/ply and fabric graphite/polyimide composites using the concept of embedded metallic inclusions and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements.

Kumosa, M.↗

Initial study of notch sensitivity of Grade 91 using mechanisms motivated crystal plasticity finite element method

This report describes the development of a crystal plasticity finite element method (CPFEM) model for the multiaxial creep rupture of Grade 91 steel. The report demonstrates that core blocks in heat pipe reactor designs will see significantly different stress states than those typically found in conventional advanced reactor components where structures can often be represented as thin-walled pressure vessels. Current design practice uses effective stress measures calibrated to biaxial creep test data to account for the effect of stress multiaxiality on rupture life. Because these models rely on biaxial data they may not be accurate for the truly 3D, triaxial states found in heat pipe microreactor core blocks. A physically-based model, like the CPFEM model developed here, may be able to more accurately represent creep rupture under triaxial stresses when compared to conventional, empirical methods. This report describes the development, implementation, and validation of such a model and then applies the model to predict the effect of stress triaxiality on rupture in Grade 91 steel. The model results are used to assess the effective stress measures currently used in high temperature design codes and makes specific recommendations on improving these effective stresses to better account for the effect of 3D stress states on rupture in Grade 91. The validation and then implementation of these recommendations in design codes and standards could lead to safer, more effective heat pipe microreactor core block designs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Blade Testing Trends (Presentation)

As an invited guest speaker, Michael Desmond presented on NREL's NWTC structural testing methods and capabilities at the 2014 Sandia Blade Workshop held on August 26-28, 2014 in Albuquerque, NM. Although dynamometer and field testing capabilities were mentioned, the presentation focused primarily on wind turbine blade testing, including descriptions and capabilities for accredited certification testing, historical methodology and technology deployment, and current research and development activities.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Screening Mechanically-Defective Solar Cells

Flexure test eliminates failure-prone wafers before further processing. Probability of cracking of silicon solar cells substantially reduced by mechanical proof testing of silicon wafers before further processing, according to report. Report based on study demonstrating weak wafers eliminated by subjecting all wafers in manufacturing batch to biaxial-flexure test.

Chen, C. P.↗

Crack Branching and Fracture Mirror Data of Glasses and Advanced Ceramics

The fracture mirror and crack branching constants were determined from three glasses and nine advanced ceramics tested under various loading and specimen configurations in an attempt to use the constants as a data base for fractography. The ratios of fracture mirror or crack branching constant to fracture toughness were found to be approximately two for most ceramic materials tested. A demonstration of how to use the two constants as a tool for verifying stress measurements was presented for silicon nitride disk specimens subjected to high-temperature, constant stress-rate biaxial flexure testing.

Choi, Sung R.↗

Improving Bending Moment Measurements on Wind Turbine Blades

Full-scale fatigue testing of wind turbine blades is conducted using resonance test techniques where the blade plus additional masses is excited at its first resonance frequency to achieve the target loading amplitude. Because there is not a direct relationship between the force applied by an actuator and the bending moment, the blade is instrumented with strain gauges that are calibrated under static loading conditions to determine the sensitivity or relationship between strain and applied moment. Then, during dynamic loading the applied moment is calculated using the strain response of the structure. A similar procedure is also used in the field to measure in-service loads on turbine blades. Because wind turbine blades are complex twisted structures and the deflections are large, there is often significant cross-talk coupling in the sensitivity of strain gauges placed on the structure. Recent work has shown that a sensitivity matrix with nonzero cross terms must be employed to find constant results when a blade is subjected to both flap and lead-lag loading. However, even under controlled laboratory conditions, potential for errors of 3 percent or more in the measured moment exist when using the typical cross-talk matrix approach due to neglecting the influence of large deformations and torsion. This is particularly critical when considering a biaxial load as would be applied on the turbine or during a biaxial fatigue test. This presentation describes these results demonstrating errors made when performing current loads measurement practices on wind turbine blades in the lab and evaluating potential improvements using enhanced cross-talk matrix approaches and calibration procedures.

17 WIND ENERGY↗