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At least 739 records · Page 41

Effects of Subscale Size and Shape on Global Energy Dissipation in a Multiscale Model of a Fiber-Reinforced Composite Exhibiting Post-Peak Strain Softening Using Abaqus and FEAMAC

A mesh objective crack band model is implemented in the generalized method of cells (GMC) micromechanics model to predict failure of a composite repeating unit cell (RUC). The micromechanics calculations are achieved using the MAC/GMC core engine within the ImMAC suite of micromechanics codes, developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center. The microscale RUC is linked to a macroscale Abaqus/Standard finite element model using the FEAMAC multiscale framework (included in the ImMAC suite). The effects of the relationship between the characteristic length of the finite element and the size of the microscale RUC on the total energy dissipation of the multiscale model are investigated. A simple 2-D composite square subjected to uniaxial tension is used to demonstrate the effects of scaling the dimensions of the RUC such that the length of the sides of the RUC are equal to the characteristic length of the finite element. These results are compared to simulations where the size of the RUC is fixed, independent of the element size. Simulations are carried out for a variety of mesh densities and element shapes, including square and triangular. Results indicate that a consistent size and shape must be used to yield preserve energy dissipation across the scales.

Pineda, Evan, J.↗

Nondestructive Characterization of the Elastic Constants of Fiber Reinforced Composites

Composite structural components may be subjected to a variety of defects resulting in a sharp reduction in their load carrying capacity or even catastrophic failure...A nondestructive method based on ultrasonics has recently been developed for the quantitative evaluation of composite structural components during service...In this paper the method is applied to determine the stiffness constants of unidirectional graphite/epoxy materials.

composites↗

High performance, rapid thermal/UV curing epoxy resin for additive manufacturing of short and continuous carbon fiber epoxy composites

An additive manufacturing resin system includes a container; a build platform in the container; a build platform drive; an additive manufacturing resin that forms an additive manufacturing resin bath; an additive manufacturing print head; a build material supply connected to the additive manufacturing print head; an infill resin in the container, wherein the infill resin is supported by the additive manufacturing resin bath; a computer controller; and an extruded material that forms the product, wherein the infill resin at least partially surrounds the extruded material that forms the product. An infill resin supply provides the infill resin into the container and a control valve is connected to the infill resin supply. An IR light sensor is connected to the control valve and operatively connected to the infill resin in the container.

Lewicki, James↗

3D printable polymeric lightning strike protection system for fiber reinforced composites

The current embodiments include all-polymeric protective material for mitigating lightning strike damage. The protective material includes a hybrid matrix comprising PANI and MXene dispersed within a thermosetting epoxy resin. This hybrid matrix can be painted, printed, or applied as a conductive polymeric layer to a FRCP structure, for example an aircraft fuselage, wing, empennage, control surface (aileron, flap, slats, rudder, elevator) or a wind turbine blade. The protective material not only withstands lightning strikes, but also functions as shielding against electromagnetic interference and is corrosion-resistant and lightweight.

Kumar, Vipin↗

Performance of graphite fiber-reinforced polyimide composites in self-aligning plain bearings to 315 C

A 50/50 (weight percent) composite of graphite fibers and polyimide was studied in self-aligning plain bearings oscillating + or - 15 degrees at 1 hz. The friction coefficient was 0.15 + or - 0.05 at 250 C, and 0.05 + or - 0.02 at 315 C. Best results were obtained with a molded composite liner with chopped graphite fibers randomly oriented in the composite. The specific wear rate is given. It was found that the dynamic unit load capacity was higher for a composite bushing (thin liner), than for a composite ball.

Sliney, H. E.↗

Characterization on C/SiC Ceramic Matrix Composites with Novel Fiber Coatings

Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) are attractive candidate materials in the aerospace industry due to their high specific strength, low density and higher temperature capabilities. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is pursuing the use of CMC components in advanced Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) propulsion applications. Carbon fiber-reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC) is the primary material of interest for a variety of RLV propulsion applications. These composites offer high- strength carbon fibers and a high modulus, oxidation-resistant matrix. For comparison, two types of carbon fibers were processed with novel types of interface coatings (multilayer and pseudoporous). For RLV propulsion applications, environmental durability will be critical. The coatings show promise of protecting the carbon fibers from the oxidizing environment. The strengths and microstructures of these composite materials are presented.

Petko, Jeanne↗

Vertical z-axis discontinuous carbon fibers for improved lightning strike performance of continuous fiber-reinforced polymer composites

Effective lightning strike protection for critical aerospace and wind applications requires high electrical conductivity to dissipate current efficiently. However, polymer matrix composites face a challenge due to their inherently insulating nature. While conventional carbon fiber-reinforced composites (CFRP) exhibit electrical conductivity in the planar direction, achieving through-thickness conductivity remains an ongoing challenge. In this work, we have undertaken the fabrication of CFRP interleaved with vertically oriented carbon fibers (Z-fiber) to impart higher electrical conductivity along the thickness direction. Two Z-fiber composite variations are prepared: Z-1 with a single layer of Z-fiber and Z-5 with five interleaved layers and compared with no Z-fiber layer (Z-0) composite. The composite panels were subjected to lab-scale lightning strike tests with a current magnitude of 100 kA. To emulate real-world service conditions, an aerospace-grade paint coating was applied to the composite laminates. Comparative analysis shows Z-1 reduces damage diameter to ∼22 mm compared to Z-0 (∼26 mm), while Z-5 exhibits the least damage (∼16.7 mm), confirmed by optical microscopy. Z-5 demonstrates nine times higher through-thickness electrical conductivity than Z-0, reducing electrical anisotropy substantially. Thermal-electric finite element damage modeling predicts surface damage within 6% of experimental values for both Z-0 and Z-5 composites. Flexural tests post-lightning reveal Z-5 retains 66% flexural strength and 86% modulus, significantly better than Z-0, which retains less than 40% for both properties. This study highlights the efficacy of Z-fiber composites in lightning strike protection, offering improved through-thickness conductivity and mechanical property retention.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Impact damage in composite laminates

A low-velocity impact-damage model for quasi-symmetric graphite-fiber composite plates is presented. The distribution of damage in each layer of the plate was calculated by employing Di Sciuva's composite laminate theory together with Hashin's failure criterion for fiber-reinforced composites. The dynamic deformation of the target plate was represented by the lower vibrational modes of the plate. The principle of virtual work was applied in the formulation of the problem. In the analysis, the material was regarded as 'damaged' when its designed strength was reduced by the failure of its constituents. The constituent failures consisted of matrix crackings, fiber breakages, and delamination between layers. According to damage modes, the moduli of material in the damaged zone were reduced according to the failure criteria. The interaction between layers and its role in damage propagation were also studied.

Wang, Chung-Yue↗

Celsian Glass-Ceramic Matrix Composites

Glass-ceramic matrix reinforced fiber composite materials developed for use in low dielectric applications, such as radomes. Materials strong and tough, exhibit low dielectric properties, and endure high temperatures.

Bansal, Narottam P.↗

Hybrid Fiber Layup and Fiber-Reinforced Polymeric Composites Produced Therefrom

Embodiments of a hybrid fiber layup used to form a fiber-reinforced polymeric composite, and a fiber-reinforced polymeric composite produced therefrom are disclosed. The hybrid fiber layup comprises one or more dry fiber strips and one or more prepreg fiber strips arranged side by side within each layer, wherein the prepreg fiber strips comprise fiber material impregnated with polymer resin and the dry fiber strips comprise fiber material without impregnated polymer resin.

Barnell, Thomas J.↗

Hybrid Fiber Layup and Fiber-Reinforced Polymeric Composites Produced Therefrom

Embodiments of a hybrid fiber layup used to form a fiber-reinforced polymeric composite, and a fiber-reinforced polymeric composite produced therefrom are disclosed. The hybrid fiber layup comprises one or more dry fiber strips and one or more prepreg fiber strips arranged side by side within each layer, wherein the prepreg fiber strips comprise fiber material impregnated with polymer resin and the dry fiber strips comprise fiber material without impregnated polymer resin.

Barnell, Thomas J.↗

Rubber-toughened cyanate composites - Properties and toughening mechanism

Earlier work by Young et al. (1990) has shown that Dow experimental cyanate ester resin XU71787.02 is readily toughenable by rubber. A particularly effective rubber for this purpose is an experimental core-shell rubber which toughens the polymer by inducing shear yielding. This paper describes an investigation into the toughening mechanism in the corresponding carbon-fiber composite systems and the effect of fibers on composite properties. Resin-fiber interfacial shear strengths have been successfully correlated to the compressive strengths after impact and other key properties of composites based on rubber-toughened cyanate and several carbon fibers. The differences in the properties are explained by the difference in the functioning of the rubber particles during the fracture process.

Yang, P. C.↗