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At least 577 records · Page 32
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1976

Longitudinal residual stresses in boron fibers

A technique is proposed for measuring the longitudinal residual stress distribution in commercial CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) boron on tungsten fibers of 102, 142, and 203 microns in diameter. The experimental apparatus is so designed that continuous measurements are made of the length changes of a boron fiber specimen as the surface of the fiber is removed by electropolishing. The effects of surface removal on core residual stress and core-initiated fracture are discussed. The three sizes of boron fibers investigated show similar residual stress distributions, i.e., compressive at the surface, tensile near the core, and for the 102-micron fiber compressive again in the core. It is shown that an increase in UTS is due to the increase in the compressive stress at the core produced by fiber contraction during surface removal. An expression is derived for calculating the longitudinal residual stress at a given radius for an as-received fiber of a certain radius from measurements of the axial strain produced by removal of the surface by electropolishing.

Behrendt, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Application of diffusion barriers to high modulus fibers

Barrier layers were coated onto high-modulus fibers, and nickel and titanium layers were overcoated as simulated matrix materials. The objective was to coat the high-strength fibers with unreactive selected materials without degrading the fibers. The fibers were tungsten, niobium, and single-crystal sapphire, while the materials used as barrier coating layers were Al2O3, Y2O3, TiC, ZrC, WC with 14% Co, and HfO2. An ion-plating technique was used to coat the fibers. The fibers were subjected to high-temperature heat treatments to evaluate the effectiveness of the barrier layer in preventing fiber-metal interactions. Results indicate that Al2O3, Y2O3, and HfO2 can be used as barrier layers to minimize the nickel-tungsten interaction. Further investigation, including thermal cycling tests at 1090 C, revealed that HfO2 is probably the best of the three.

Veltri, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Residual stresses in boron/tungsten and boron/carbon fibers

Longitudinal residual stress distribution is determined for 102-micron diam B/W and B/C fibers. The 102-micron diam B/W fibers are deposited on a 12.7-micron diam tungsten wire resistively heated in a BCl3-H2 reactor. The 102-micron diam B/C fibers are made by deposition of boron on a pyrolytic graphite-coated carbon fiber. The longitudinal residual stress distribution is calculated from measurements of the change in length of the fiber produced by removal of the surface through electropolishing. It is found that for both types of fibers, the residual stress vary from a compressive stress at the surface to a tensile stress in the boron near the core. Closer to the core and in the core, significant differences in the residual stresses are observed for the B/W and B/C fibers.

Behrendt, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

A Weibull characterization for tensile fracture of multicomponent brittle fibers

Necessary to the development and understanding of brittle fiber reinforced composites is a means to statistically describe fiber strength and strain-to-failure behavior. A statistical characterization for multicomponent brittle fibers is presented. The method, which is an extension of usual Weibull distribution procedures, statistically considers the components making up a fiber (e.g., substrate, sheath, and surface) as separate entities and taken together as in a fiber. Tensile data for silicon carbide fiber and for an experimental carbon-boron alloy fiber are evaluated in terms of the proposed multicomponent Weibull characterization.

Barrows, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Axial residual stresses in boron fibers

A method of measuring axial residual stresses in boron fibers is presented. With this method, the axial residual stress distribution as a function of radius is determined from the fiber surface to the core including the average residual stress in the core. Such measurements on boron on tungsten (B/W) fibers show that the residual stresses for 102, 142, 203, and 366 micron diam fibers are similar, being compressive at the surface and changing monotonically to a region of tensile stress within the boron. At approximately 25% of the original radius, the stress reaches a maximum tensile stress of about 860 MN sq m and then decreases to a compressive stress near the tungsten boride core. Data are presented for 203-micron diam B/W fibers that show annealing above 900 C reduces the residual stresses. A comparison between 102-micron diam B/W and boron on carbon (B/C) show that the residual stresses are similar in the outer regions of the fibers, but that large differences near and in the core are observed. Fracture of boron fibers is discussed.

Behrendt, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Elastic moduli of transversely isotropic graphite fibers and their composites

The paper demonstrates that it is possible to calculate the complete set of elastic mechanical properties for graphite-epoxy fiber-reinforced materials at any fiber-volume fraction by modifying equations previously developed to include transversely isotropic graphite-fiber properties. Experimental verification of the modified equations is demonstrated by using these equations to curve fit elastic-property data obtained ultrasonically over a range of fiber-volume fractions. Material systems under consideration are T300/5208, AS-3501 and Modomor II/LY558 graphite epoxy. Using the modified equations it is possible to extrapolate for fiber properties. From Modomor II/LY558 ultrasonic data, it is shown that five out of seven extrapolated graphite-fiber properties are consistent with the assumption that graphite fibers are transversely isotropic. Elastic properties for T300/5208 and AS-3501 are ultrasonically evaluated by propagating stress waves through six individual specimens cut at various angles from a block of unidirectional material. Particular attention is devoted to specimen dimensions. To demonstrate the need for accurately calculating or experimentally measuring all lamina elastic properties, a brief discussion is included on the effect that variations in lamina elastic properties have on calculating interlaminar stresses.

Kriz, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Process modifications for improved carbon fiber composites: Alleviation of the electrical hazards problem

Attempts to alleviate carbon-fiber-composite electrical hazards during airplane crash fires through fiber gasification are described. Thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetric experiments found several catalysts that caused fibers to combust when composites were exposed to test fires. Composites were tested in the 'Burn-Bang' apparatus and in high voltage electrical detection grid apparatus. In a standard three minute burn test modified composites released no fibers, while state-of-the-art composites released several hundred fiber fragments. Expected service life with and without catalytic modification was studied and electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis furnished physical appearance and chemical composition data. An acrylic acid polymer fiber coating was developed that wet the carbon fiber surface uniformly with the catalyst, providing a marked contrast with the uneven coats obtained by solution-dipping.

Ramohalli, K.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Stresses in a three-dimensional unidirectional composite containing broken fibers

An approximate solution is developed for the determination of the interlaminar normal and shear stresses in the vicinity of a crack in a three dimensional composite containing unidirectional linearly elastic fibers in an infinite linearly elastic matrix. In order to reduce the complexity of the formulation, certain assumptions are made as to the physically significant stresses to be retained. These simplifications reduce the partial differential equations of elasticity to differential-difference equations which are tractable using Fourier transform techniques. This 'material modeling' approach is in contrast with solutions developed by considering each lamina as a homogeneous, orthotropic layer. The resulting solution does not contain the classical singular stress field for the fibers and the influence of broken fibers on unbroken fibers is felt by a change in stress concentration factors. The matrix stresses however, are unbounded as the fiber spacing vanishes and an equivalent fiber-matrix geometry is proposed which gives the correct singular behavior. The numerical solution is considered in detail and several specific examples are presented. The potential for damaged or debonded zones to be generated by an embedded crack is discussed, and stress concentration factors for fibers near the crack are given. Detailed comparisons are made between the present solution, the analogous two-dimensional problem, and corresponding shear-lag models.

Goree, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Experiment K-308: Automatic analysis of muscle fibers from rats subjected to spaceflight

The morphology of histochemically prepared muscle sections from the gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles of flight and vivarium control rats was studied quantitatively. Both fast-twitch and slow-twitch fibers were significantly smaller in flight groups than in control groups. Fibers in group 4F were somewhat larger than in 1F, presumably due to growth after recovery. Fibers in 4V were slightly larger than in 1V, presumably due to age. The slow fibers showed more spaceflight induced size loss than fast fibers, suggesting they suffered more from hypogravity. The proportion of slow fibers was also lower in the flight groups, suggesting spaceflight induced fiber type conversion from slow to fast.

Castleman, K. R.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Properties of PMR polyimide composites made with improved high strength graphite fibers

Recent graphite fiber developments have resulted in high strength, intermediate modulus graphite fibers having improved thermo-oxidative resistance. These improved fibers, obtained from various commercial suppliers, were used to fabricate PMR-15 and PMR-11 polyimide composites. Studies were performed to investigate the effects of the improved high strength graphite fibers on composite properties after exposure in air at 600 F. The use of the more oxidatively resistant fibers did not result in improved performance at 600 F. Two of the improved fibers were found to have an adverse effect on the long-term performance of PMR composites. The influence of various factors such as fiber physical properties, surface morphology and chemical composition are also discussed.

Vannucci, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Strength advantages of chemically polished boron fibers before and after reaction with aluminum

In order to determine their strength potential, the fracture properties of different types of commercial boron fibers were measured before and after application of secondary strengthening treatments. The principal treatments employed were a slight chemical polish, which removed low strength surface flaws, and a heat treatment in oxygen, which contracted the fibers and thereby compressed intrinsic bulk flaws. Those fiber types most significantly strengthened were 200 to 400 micrometers (8 to 16 mil) diameter boron on tungsten fibers produced in a single chemical vapor deposition reactor. The slight polish increased average tensile strenghts from 3.4 to 4.4 CN/m2 (500 to 640 ksi) and reduced coefficients of variation from about 15 to 3 percent. The oxygen heat treatment plus slight polish further improved average strengths to 5.5 GN/m2 (800 ksi) with coefficients near 3 percent. To ascertain whether these excellent properties could be retained after fabrication of B/Al composites, as produced and polished 203 micrometers (8 mil) fibers were thinly coated with aluminum, heat treated at B/Al fabrication temperatures, and then tested in tension and flexure at room temperature. The pre-polished fibers were observed to retain their superior strengths to higher temperatures than the as-produced fibers even though both were subjected to the same detrimental reaction with aluminum.

Dicarlo, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Application of In Situ Fiberization for fabrication of improved strain isolation pads and graphite epoxy composites

The feasibility of applying the in situ fiberization process to the fabrication of strain isolation pads (SIP) for the Space Shuttle and to the fabrication of graphite-epoxy composites was evaluated. The ISF process involves the formation of interconnected polymer fiber networks by agitation of dilute polymer solutions under controlled conditions. High temperature polymers suitable for SIP use were fiberized and a successful fiberization of polychloro trifluoroethylene, a relatively high melting polymer, was achieved. Attempts to fiberize polymers with greater thermal stability were unsuccessful, apparently due to characteristics caused by the presence of aromaticity in the backbone of such materials. Graphite-epoxy composites were fabricated by interconnecting two dimensional arrays of graphite fiber with polypropylene IS fibers with subsequent epoxy resin impregnation. Mechanical property tests were performed on laminated panels of this material to evaluate intralaminar and interlaminar shear strength, and thus fracture toughness. Test results were generally unpromising.

Rosser, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Graphite fiber intercalation: Dynamics of the bromine intercalation process

The resistance of pitch-based graphite fibers was monitored, in situ, during a series of bromine intercalation experiments. The threshold pressure for the bromine intercalation of pitch-based fibers was estimated to be 102 torr. When the bromine atmosphere was removed from the reaction chamber, the resistivity of the intercalated graphite fibers increased consistently. This increase was attributed to loss of bromine from the perimeter of the fiber. The loss was confirmed by mapping the bromine concentration across the diameter of single intercalated fibers with either energy dispersive spectroscopy or scanning Auger microscopy. A statistical study comparing fibers intercalated in bromine vapor with fibers intercalated in bromine liquid showed that similar products were obtained with both methods of intercalation.

Jaworske, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

A comparison of the bromination dynamics of pitch-based and vapor-grown graphite fibers

The electrical resistance of pitch based P-100 fibers and experimental organic vapor grown fibers was recorded in-situ during bromination and subsequent exposure to ambient laboratory air. The results indicate that the bromination and debromination reactions proceed much slower for vapor grown fibers than for pitch based. While this may be due in part to the larger diameter of the vapor grown fibers, the majority of the effect can probably be attributed to the differences in graphene plane orientation between the fiber types. Although the reactions are slower in the vapor grown than in the pitch based fibers, the extent of reaction as measured by the change in electrical resistance is essentially the same, with comparable (or larger) decreases in resistivity. The bromination reaction proceeds with one or more plateaus in the resistance versus time curves, which suggests staging and strengthens the argument that these fibers produce true intercalation compounds.

Gaier, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Leaf spring made of fiber-reinforced resin

A leaf spring made of a matrix reinforced by at least two types of reinforcing fibers with different Young's modulus is described in this Japanese patent. At least two layers of reinforcing fibers are formed by partially arranging the reinforcing fibers toward the direction of the thickness of the leaf spring. A mixture of different types of reinforced fibers is used at the area of boundary between the two layers of reinforced fibers. The ratio of blending of each type of reinforced fiber is frequently changed to eliminate the parts where discontinuous stress may be applied to the leaf spring. The objective of this invention is to prevent the rapid change in Young's modulus at the boundary area between each layer of reinforced fibers in the leaf spring.

Hori, J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Thermal conductivity of pristine and brominated P-100 fibers

Thermal conductivity of brominated and pristine Union Carbide P-100 graphite fibers in the 30 to 160 C temperature range was determined by measuring thermal conductivities of graphite fiber epoxy composite samples and then excluding the epoxy contribution. A comparative thermal conductivity instrument was used to measure the thermal conductivity of the samples containing fibers. Results showed that the thermal conductivity values were 225 to 370 w/m-K and 215 to 340 w/m-K for pristine and brominated fibers, respectively. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity ratio of brominated to pristine P-100 fibers was 0.89, 0.91, and 0.92 at 55 to 80 C; 108 and 130 C, respectively. Such decrease in thermal conductivity results almost entirely from the 10 percent increase in fiber cross sectional area due to bromination. This result suggests that bromination effects on P-100 fiber structure is small, and that some structural changes, presumably the sharp-angled domain wall becomes less sharp, occurring in the 80 to 108 C temperature range.

Hung, C. C.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Fiber optics: A research paper

Some basic aspects concerning fiber optics are examined. Some history leading up to the development of optical fibers which are now used in the transmission of data in many areas of the world is discussed. Basic theory of the operation of fiber optics is discussed along with methods for improving performance of the optical fiber through much research and design. Splices and connectors are compared and short haul and long haul fiber optic networks are discussed. Fiber optics plays many roles in the commercial world. The use of fiber optics for communication applications is emphasized.

Drone, Melinda M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Buckling of a fiber bundle embedded in epoxy

Buckling of a fiber bundle embedded in epoxy resin was studied to gain insight into compressive failure mechanisms in unidirectional composites. The fibers used were E-glass, T300 graphite, T700 graphite, and P75 graphite. These fibers were combined with two different resins: Epon 815/V140 and Epon 828/Z. In both resins the failure mode of the bundle was found to be microbuckling of fibers for the first three types of fibers; however, the high-modulus P75 fibers failed in shear without any sign of microbuckling. The strains at which microbuckling occurred were higher than the compressive failure strains of the corresponding unidirectional composites. In the soft resin, Epon 815/V140, fibers buckled at lower strains than in the stiff resin, Epon 828/Z. The buckling strains and the segment lengths followed the trends predicted for a single filament embedded in an infinite matrix.

Hahn, H. T.↗