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At least 613 records · Page 34

Longitudinal splitting in unidirectional composites, analysis and experiments

An experimental study is conducted to determine the fracture behavior of center notched, unidirectional graphite/epoxy laminates when subjected to tensile loading. The actual behavior is compared to the behavior predicted by a mathematical model based on classical shear-lag assumptions. The model allows for damage to occur in the form of longitudinal matrix yielding and splitting with the matrix assumed to fail in pure shear. Results indicate that the model is capable of predicting split initiation stress levels accurately, but does not describe the subsequent split growth adequately. The model predicts rapid split growth following split initiation due to shear failure, while the actual behavior involves a slow split growth region prior to the rapid growth region. It is suggested that transverse matrix normal stresses are responsible for split initiation and the early, slow split growth. The model predicts the actual initiation stress levels reliably, and also appears to be able to predict the point at which the shear failure mode begins to dominate. The shear failure mode does eventually dominate, but at a slower rate than predicted. The nonuniform structure of the graphite/epoxy laminates is thought to be responsible for decreasing the split growth rate due to shear failure.

Goree, J. G.↗

A Framework for Performing Multiscale Stochastic Progressive Failure Analysis of Composite Structures

A framework is presented that enables coupled multiscale analysis of composite structures. The recently developed, free, Finite Element Analysis - Micromechanics Analysis Code (FEAMAC) software couples the Micromechanics Analysis Code with Generalized Method of Cells (MAC/GMC) with ABAQUS to perform micromechanics based FEA such that the nonlinear composite material response at each integration point is modeled at each increment by MAC/GMC. As a result, the stochastic nature of fiber breakage in composites can be simulated through incorporation of an appropriate damage and failure model that operates within MAC/GMC on the level of the fiber. Results are presented for the progressive failure analysis of a titanium matrix composite tensile specimen that illustrate the power and utility of the framework and address the techniques needed to model the statistical nature of the problem properly. In particular, it is shown that incorporating fiber strength randomness on multiple scales improves the quality of the simulation by enabling failure at locations other than those associated with structural level stress risers.

Bednarcyk, Brett A.↗

A Framework for Performing Multiscale Stochastic Progressive Failure Analysis of Composite Structures

A framework is presented that enables coupled multiscale analysis of composite structures. The recently developed, free, Finite Element Analysis-Micromechanics Analysis Code (FEAMAC) software couples the Micromechanics Analysis Code with Generalized Method of Cells (MAC/GMC) with ABAQUS to perform micromechanics based FEA such that the nonlinear composite material response at each integration point is modeled at each increment by MAC/GMC. As a result, the stochastic nature of fiber breakage in composites can be simulated through incorporation of an appropriate damage and failure model that operates within MAC/GMC on the level of the fiber. Results are presented for the progressive failure analysis of a titanium matrix composite tensile specimen that illustrate the power and utility of the framework and address the techniques needed to model the statistical nature of the problem properly. In particular, it is shown that incorporating fiber strength randomness on multiple scales improves the quality of the simulation by enabling failure at locations other than those associated with structural level stress risers.

Bednarcyk, Brett A.↗

CFD Analysis of Tile-Repair Augers for the Shuttle Orbiter Re-Entry Aeroheating

A three-dimensional aerothermodynamic model of the shuttle orbiter's tile overlay repair (TOR) sub-assembly is presented. This sub-assembly, which is an overlay that covers the damaged tiles, is modeled as a protuberance with a constant thickness. The washers and augers that serve as the overlay fasteners are modeled as cylindrical protuberances with constant thicknesses. Entry aerothermodynamic cases are studied to provide necessary inputs for future thermal analyses and to support the space-shuttle return-to-flight effort. The NASA Langley Aerothermodynamic Upwind Relaxation Algorithm (LAURA) is used to calculate heat transfer rate on the surfaces of the tile overlay repair and augers. Gas flow is modeled as non-equilibrium, five species air in thermal equilibrium. Heat transfer rate and surface temperatures are analyzed and studied for a shuttle orbiter trajectory point at Mach 17.85. Computational results show that the average heat transfer rate normalized with respect to its value at body point 1800 is about BF=1.9 for the auger head. It is also shown that the average BF for the auger and washer heads is about BF=2.0.

Mazaheri, Ali R.↗

Stochastic Simulation of Mudcrack Damage Formation in an Environmental Barrier Coating

The FEAMAC/CARES program, which integrates finite element analysis (FEA) with the MAC/GMC (Micromechanics Analysis Code with Generalized Method of Cells) and the CARES/Life (Ceramics Analysis and Reliability Evaluation of Structures / Life Prediction) programs, was used to simulate the formation of mudcracks during the cooling of a multilayered environmental barrier coating (EBC) deposited on a silicon carbide substrate. FEAMAC/CARES combines the MAC/GMC multiscale micromechanics analysis capability (primarily developed for composite materials) with the CARES/Life probabilistic multiaxial failure criteria (developed for brittle ceramic materials) and Abaqus (Dassault Systèmes) FEA. In this report, elastic modulus reduction of randomly damaged finite elements was used to represent discrete cracking events. The use of many small-sized low-aspect-ratio elements enabled the formation of crack boundaries, leading to development of mudcrack-patterned damage. Finite element models of a disk-shaped three-dimensional specimen and a twodimensional model of a through-the-thickness cross section subjected to progressive cooling from 1,300 °C to an ambient temperature of 23 °C were made. Mudcrack damage in the coating resulted from the buildup of residual tensile stresses between the individual material constituents because of thermal expansion mismatches between coating layers and the substrate. A two-parameter Weibull distribution characterized the coating layer stochastic strength response and allowed the effect of the Weibull modulus on the formation of damage and crack segmentation lengths to be studied. The spontaneous initiation of cracking and crack coalescence resulted in progressively smaller mudcrack cells as cooling progressed, consistent with a fractal-behaved fracture pattern. Other failure modes such as delamination, and possibly spallation, could also be reproduced. The physical basis assumed and the heuristic approach employed, which involves a simple stochastic cellular automaton methodology to approximate the crack growth process, are described. The results ultimately show that a selforganizing mudcrack formation can derive from a Weibull distribution that is used to describe the stochastic strength response of the bulk brittle ceramic material layers of an EBC.

Nemeth, Noel N.↗

Phase-Field Modeling of Thermally-Grown Oxide and the Induced Damage Evolution in Environmental Barrier Coatings

The advent of next-generation hydrogen-based engines necessitates materials capable of withstanding temperatures beyond the reach of current superalloys. SiC-based ceramic matrix composites, augmented with environmental barrier coatings (EBCs), present a promising materials solution. Given the active search for effective and durable EBCs, there is a pressing need for modeling tools to understand and predict damage evolution in these materials to help accelerate their development. This study introduces a phase-field model (PFM) designed to simulate the critical role of thermally grown oxides (TGO) in the degradation and failure of EBCs. The model accounts for the severe volume expansion due to oxidation, alongside phase transformations and microstructural evolution during thermal cycling, offering a comprehensive view of the damage processes. Simulation results are validated against experimental findings reported in the literature, establishing the model's potential as a significant tool for understanding and improving the resilience of EBCs in cyclic oxidative environments.

Cheng, Tianle↗

Effect of Electrostatic Discharge on Electrical Characteristics of Discrete Electronic Components

This article reports on preliminary results of a study conducted to examine how temporary electrical overstress seed fault conditions in discrete power electronic components that cannot be detected with reliability tests but impact longevity of the device. These defects do not result in formal parametric failures per datasheet specifications, but result in substantial change in the electrical characteristics when compared with pristine device parameters. Tests were carried out on commercially available 600V IGBT devices using transmission line pulse (TLP) and system level ESD stress. It was hypothesized that the ESD causes local damage during the ESD discharge which may greatly accelerate degradation mechanisms and thus reduce the life of the components. This hypothesis was explored in simulation studies where different types of damage were imposed to different parts of the device. Experimental results agree qualitatively with the simulation for a number of tests which will motivate more in-depth modeling of the damage.

Wysocki, Phil↗

Shell-NASA Vibration-Based Damage Characterization

This article describes collaborative research between Shell International Exploration and Production (IE&P) scientists and ISAG personnel to investigate the feasibility of ultrasonic-based characterization of spacecraft tile damage for in-space inspection applications. The approach was proposed by Shell personnel in a Shell-NASA "speed-matching" session in early 2011 after ISAG personnel described challenges inherent in the inspection of MMOD damage deep within spacecraft thermal protection system (TPS) tiles. The approach leveraged Shell's relevant sensor and analytical expertise. The research addressed the difficulties associated with producing 3D models of MMOD damage cavities under the surface of a TPS tile, given that simple image-based sensing is constrained by line of sight through entry holes that have diameters considerably smaller than the underlying damage cavities. Damage cavity characterization is needed as part of a vehicle inspection and risk reduction capability for long-duration, human-flown space missions. It was hoped that cavity characterization could be accomplished through the use of ultrasonic techniques that allow for signal penetration through solid material.

Rollins, John M.↗

Testing of Two Mars Powered Descent Vehicle Concepts in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel

Testing was conducted in the NASA Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel in order to investigate the aerodynamic interference of sub-scale versions of two Mars powered descent vehicle concepts at supersonic Mach numbers (2.4 and 3.5): a model based on a blunt hypersonic inflatable aerodynamic decelerator (HIAD) and the second representing a more slender rigid vehicle with body flaps (CobraMRV). Each model was designed to accommodate up to eight nozzles, with the HIAD model having five different nozzle configurations to investigate the effects of nozzle location, cant angle, and area ratio. The models were tested with high pressure air as the nozzle plume gas, and included the following instrumentation: high-speed video, discrete steady state and high-frequency pressure, pressure sensitive paint, and a new flow-through force and moment balance for the HIAD model. The high-speed imagery showed the overall expected growth of the shock layer to increasing thrust levels. The discrete stagnation pressure data on the HIAD model with four and eight blowing nozzles was sensitive to thrust coefficient with the nozzles canted at 0 degrees, whereas having nozzles canted outward 20 degrees and/or being located closer to the heatshield shoulder largely removed that sensitivity. The CobraMRV model stagnation pressure was more sensitive to tunnel Mach number and sideslip angle, due to the nozzle arrangement and plume interference. Pressure sensitive paint data quality was compromised by paint damage from frequent model changes, especially for the HIAD model. However, pressure coefficient data on the CobraMRV model showed the same trends as the discrete pressure measurements, as well as a sensitivity to non-zero sideslip angles. The aerodynamic force coefficients were derived from the pressure sensitive paint data. On the HIAD models, the primary force coefficient decreased with increasing thrust due to the nozzle plumes blocking flow to the heatshield area surrounding the nozzle exist. On the CobraMRV model, the force coefficient was relatively insensitive to thrust coefficient at the lower Mach number when sideslip angle was 0 degrees The force coefficient decreases with increasing thrust coefficient when the sideslip angle is 10 degrees. Balance data quality was negatively impacted by thermal drift issues that were not apparent in pre-test calibration measurements, thus preventing usable test data. Results and lessons learned will be used to take further technology development steps, including more advanced ground test techniques and flight testing.

Karl T Edquist↗

Testing of Two Mars Powered Descent Vehicle Concepts in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel

Testing was conducted in the NASA Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel in order to investigate the aerodynamic interference of sub-scale versions of two Mars powered descent vehicle concepts at supersonic Mach numbers (2.4 and 3.5): a model based on a blunt hypersonic inflatable aerodynamic decelerator (HIAD) and the second representing a more slender rigid vehicle with body flaps (CobraMRV). Each model was designed to accommodate up to eight nozzles, with the HIAD model having five different nozzle configurations to investigate the effects of nozzle location, cant angle, and area ratio. The models were tested with high pressure air as the nozzle plume gas, and included the following instrumentation: high-speed video, discrete steady state and high-frequency pressure, pressure sensitive paint, and a new flow-through force and moment balance for the HIAD model. The high-speed imagery showed the overall expected growth of the shock layer to increasing thrust levels. The discrete stagnation pressure data on the HIAD model with four and eight blowing nozzles was sensitive to thrust coefficient with the nozzles canted at 0 degrees, whereas having nozzles canted outward 20 degrees and/or being located closer to the heatshield shoulder largely removed that sensitivity. The CobraMRV model stagnation pressure was more sensitive to tunnel Mach number and sideslip angle, due to the nozzle arrangement and plume interference. Pressure sensitive paint data quality was compromised by paint damage from frequent model changes, especially for the HIAD model. However, pressure coefficient data on the CobraMRV model showed the same trends as the discrete pressure measurements, as well as a sensitivity to non-zero sideslip angles. The aerodynamic force coefficients were derived from the pressure sensitive paint data. On the HIAD models, the primary force coefficient decreased with increasing thrust due to the nozzle plumes blocking flow to the heatshield area surrounding the nozzle exist. On the CobraMRV model, the force coefficient was relatively insensitive to thrust coefficient at the lower Mach number when sideslip angle was 0 degrees The force coefficient decreases with increasing thrust coefficient when the sideslip angle is 10 degrees. Balance data quality was negatively impacted by thermal drift issues that were not apparent in pre-test calibration measurements, thus preventing usable test data. Results and lessons learned will be used to take further technology development steps, including more advanced ground test techniques and flight testing.

Supersonic Retropropulsion↗

Advancing the Understanding of Manufacturing Tools for Hardware Security

This project’s goal was to explore new methods and tools to evaluate the focused ion beam (FIB) effect on active electrical devices, which is becoming increasingly challenged by the continual decrease in transistor geometry. Novel hole transfer methods leveraging FIB patterning were demonstrated utilizing selective area atomic layer deposition (ALD) and metal assisted chemical etching. A FIB damage electrical tester device was fabricated, and the effects of FIB beams were characterized by examining change in performance of damaged transistors. Detailed characterization of end-of-range damage for common FIB ions were correlated to modeling methods. Finally, undamaged and damaged devices were simulated by Charon to begin understanding the FIB effects on active devices. This test platform along with modeling methods give a powerful way to assess FIB damage in materials and devices, and with more development can help establish methods to predict FIB damage effects on electrical devices.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Ground vibration tests of a high fidelity truss for verification of on orbit damage location techniques

This paper describes a series of modal tests that were performed on a cantilevered truss structure. The goal of the tests was to assemble a large database of high quality modal test data for use in verification of proposed methods for on orbit model verification and damage detection in flexible truss structures. A description of the hardware is provided along with details of the experimental setup and procedures for 16 damage cases. Results from selected cases are presented and discussed. Differences between ground vibration testing and on orbit modal testing are also described.

Kashangaki, Thomas A. L.↗

Comparative investigations of multi-fidelity modeling on performance of electrostatically-actuated cracked micro-beams

Silicon is a commonly used material for the fabrication of beams for use in micro-electrical-mechanical systems (MEMS). Although silicon is a brittle material, it has been shown to accumulate fatigue damage at the micro-scale. Understanding the effect this has on the overall device performance is critical to the design of reliable devices. Analytical methods for modeling damage provide expedient results but are limited by broad modeling assumptions. Numerical models account for more detailed physical phenomena but can be computationally intensive. In this work, two different crack scenarios are modeled using both analytical techniques and 3D computational simulations. First, the effects of a single surface crack on the static deflection and natural frequency of an electrostatically actuated micro-beam are formulated and compared. Then, a new method for approximating damage associated with realistic distributed crack networks is formulated for use in an analytical model and numerical simulations. A method for utilizing experimentally derived crack statistics to inform the analytical and numerical distributed crack models is developed. Good agreement between the analytical and numerical models is obtained for both crack scenarios. Altogether, these models can be used to effectively simulate a variety of damage and fatigue behaviors in silicon-based MEMS devices.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Testing of a Multi-Stringer Post-Buckled Panel with Incremental Damage Detection

A multi-stringer panel was designed and tested to produce a failure mode of skin-stiffener delamination due to compression loading of a post-buckled skin to support the validation of high-fidelity progressive damage failure analysis modeling. The test procedure included multiple methods of data acquisition ranging from multiple strain gages, front and back digital image correlation, passive thermography, acoustic emission, and ultrasonic inspection to capture key events and damage progression prior to catastrophic failure. Detailed data showing the initial stiffness, onset of skin buckling, buckled mode shape, damage initiation load, damage propagation morphology, and peak load was captured. Two panel configurations were tested. The first had a Teflon insert placed in the interface between the skin and the stiffener flanges adjacent to the center skin bay. The second was subjected to impact damage to the skin-stiffener flange. In each case, continuously-loaded-to-failure tests were conducted first with passive thermography being used exclusively to determine key damage events. Then, incrementally loaded tests were completed where ultrasonic inspections were conducted between each increment. The amount of load applied between each increment was determined based on the in-situ damage detection provided by the passive thermography system. The results of the testing showed a complex delamination growth pattern which migrated between ply interfaces through matrix splits in the upper skin ply of the panel. The result of the testing produced very detailed data which will prove to be useful for validation of delamination growth and migration predictions from progressive damage failure analysis methods.

Jason Action↗

Using experimental modal data to detect damage in a space truss

The effects of damage on a model space truss are investigated using experimentally measured modes along with a procedure that uses the vibratory residual forces and a weighted sensitivity analysis to estimate the extent of mass and/or stiffness variations, where damage is characterized as a reduction in structural stiffness. It is shown that this approach yields excellent results for a four-bay space truss under consideration and was able to accurately predict not only the location of the damage region but also estimate the relative severity for three different configurations. In addition, the method was able to accurately detect and differentiate a shift in structural mass.

Tavares, R.↗

Modelling and Holographic Visualization of Space Radiation-Induced DNA Damage

Space radiation is composed by a mixture of ions of different energies. Among these, heavy inos are of particular importance because their health effects are poorly understood. In. the recent years, a software named RITRACKS (Relativistic Ion Tracks) was developed to simulate the detailed radiation track structure, several DNA models and DNA damage. As the DNA structure is complex due to packing, it is difficult to the damage using a regular computer screen.

Plante, Ianik↗

Delamination-informed lifecycle decisions: A dielectric and machine learning framework for composite sorting and recycling

Composite materials are widely used in aerospace, marine, and automotive sectors due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and durability. However, their long-term reliability can be compromised by damage accumulation. Specifically, delamination initiation serves as a precursor to structural failure, which is often difficult to detect during damage inspection. Identifying and sorting delamination initiation in samples not only increases operational safety while providing critical information for end-of-life decisions, which influences both the service life extension value and the efficiency of fiber extraction during recycling. This research addresses two challenges: (1) developing a nondestructive, ex-situ framework to sort composite materials based on damage severity, particularly delamination, and (2) understanding how damage in composites influences resin removal during pyrolysis. Both experimental work and finite element analysis were performed to predict critical stress levels that are associated with delamination onset. Based on these results, three loading levels 50 %, 75 %, and 90 % of maximum stress, were selected for controlled experiments, generating composite samples with varying extents of damage for machine learning model training. Microscopic imaging of these samples confirmed the damage progression from matrix cracking to delamination, validating the computational predictions. We explored supervised machine learning using dielectric measurements to classify damage states. Preliminary results show an artificial neural network can identify early delamination which is a potential precursor to failure, with 94.44 % accuracy on our dataset. A parallel investigation into the effect of damage severity on pyrolysis recycling showed that heavily delaminated samples required significantly less energy for comparable matrix removal than undamaged samples.

dielectric variables↗

The effect of blood viscosity on shear‐induced hemolysis using a magnetically levitated shearing device

Abstract Introduction Blood contacting medical devices, including rotary blood pumps, can cause shear‐induced blood damage that may lead to adverse effects in patients. Due in part to an inadequate understanding of how cell‐scale fluid mechanics impact red blood cell membrane deformation and damage, there is currently not a uniformly accepted engineering model for predicting blood damage caused by complex flow fields within ventricular assist devices (VADs). Methods We empirically investigated hemolysis in a magnetically levitated axial Couette flow device typical of a rotary VAD. The device is able to accurately control the shear rate and exposure time experienced by blood and to minimize the effects of other uncharacterized stresses. Using this device, we explored the effects of both hematocrit and plasma viscosity on shear‐induced hemolysis to characterize blood damage based on the viscosity‐independent shear rate, rather than on shear stress. Results Over a shear rate range of 20 000 – 80 000 1/s, the Index of Hemolysis (IH) was found to be dependent upon and well‐predicted by the shear rate alone. IH was independent of hematocrit, bulk viscosity, or the suspension media viscosity and less correlated to shear stress (MSE = 0.46–0.75) than to shear rate (MSE = 0.06–0.09). Conclusion This study recommends that future investigations of shear‐induced blood damage report findings with respect to the viscosity‐neutral term of shear rate, in addition to the bulk whole blood viscosity measured at an appropriate shear rate relevant to the flow conditions of the device.

Krisher, James A.↗