Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “FLEXURE”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 919 records · Page 51

Edge crack growth of thermally aged graphite/polyimide composites

Laminates of Celion 6000/LARC-160 and Celion 6000/PMR-15 graphite/polyimide composite materials were aged in air at temperatures of 202, 232, 260 and 288 C for various times up to 15,000 hours. Three unidirectional specimen types were studied: short beam shear (SBS), flexure, and 153 mm square panels. The interior region of the square panels exhibited little or no property degradation, whereas both laminate materials degraded and cracked preferentially at the specimen edge perpendicular to the fibers. Using a dye penetrant, the specimens were X-rayed and the crack depth measured as a function of time and temperature. A time temperature superposition of the crack data was successfully performed using an Arrhenius form for the shift factor. A direct correlation was found for edge crack depth and SBS strength for the LARC-160 laminates but the correlation for PMR-15 laminates was more complex.

Nelson, J. B.↗

Liquid crystal polyester-carbon fiber composites

Liquid crystal polymers (LCP) have been developed as a thermoplastic matrix for high performance composites. A successful melt impregnation method has been developed which results in the production of continuous carbon fiber (CF) reinforced LCP prepreg tape. Subsequent layup and molding of prepreg into laminates has yielded composites of good quality. Tensile and flexural properties of LCP/CF composites are comparable to those of epoxy/CF composites. The LCP/CF composites have better impact resistance than the latter, although epoxy/CF composites possess superior compression and shear strength. The LCP/CF composites have good property retention until 200 F (67 % of room temperature value). Above 200 F, mechanical properties decrease significantly. Experimental results indicate that the poor compression and shear strength may be due to the poor interfacial adhesion between the matrix and carbon fiber as adequate toughness of the LCP matrix. Low mechanical property retention at high temperatures may be attributable to the low beta-transition temperature (around 80 C) of the LCP matrix material.

Chung, T. S.↗

Double arch mirror study. Part 2: Engineering analysis report

A method of mounting a cryogenically cooled, lightweight, double arch, class mirror for infrared, astronomical telescopes was developed. A 50 cm, fused silica mirror was modified for use in a new mount configuration. The flexures and the finite element analysis of the mirror stresses are reported.

Iraninejad, B.↗

Subsonic/transonic stall flutter investigation of a rotating rig

Stall flutter is investigated by obtaining detailed quantitative steady and aerodynamic and aeromechanical measurements in a typical fan rotor. The experimental investigation is made with a 31.3 percent scale model of the Quiet Engine Program Fan C rotor system. Both subsonic/transonic (torsional mode) flutter and supersonic (flexural) flutter are investigated. Extensive steady and unsteady data on the blade deformations and aerodynamic properties surrounding the rotor are acquired while operating in both the steady and flutter modes. Analysis of this data shows that while there may be more than one traveling wave present during flutter, they are all forward traveling waves.

Jutras, R. R.↗

Rubber-toughened polyfunctional epoxies - Brominated vs nonbrominated formulated for graphite composites

A new, commercially available, trifunctional epoxy resin (tris-(hydroxyphenyl)-methane triglycidyl ether) was modified with synthetic rubber to increase the impact resistance of epoxy/graphite composites. These composites were reinforced with commercially available satin-weave carbon cloth using two formulations of epoxies (brominated and nonbrominated) containing various amounts of carboxy-terminated butadience acrylonitrile (CTBN) rubber that had been prereacted with epoxy resin. The impact resistance was determined by measuring the interlaminar shear strength of the composites after impact. The mechanical properties, such as flexural strength and modulus at room temperature and at 93 C, were also determined. Measurements were taken of the flammability and glass transition temperature (Tg); and a thermal-gravimetric analysis was made.

Nir, Z.↗

Polyfunctional epoxies - Different molecular weights of brominated polymeric additives as flame retardants in graphite composites

The imparting of flame retardancy to graphite-reinforced composites without incurring mechanical property deterioration is investigated for the case of an experimental, trifunctional epoxy resin incorporating brominated polymeric additives (BPAs) of the diglycidyl type. Such mechanical properties as flexural strength and modulus, and short beam shear strength, were measured in dry and in hot/wet conditions, and the glass transition temperature, flammability, and water absorption were measured and compared with nonbromilated systems. Another comparison was made with a tetrafunctional epoxy system. The results obtained are explained in terms of differences in the polymeric backbone length of the bromine carrier polymer. BPAs are found to be a reliable bromine source for fire inhibition in carbon-reinforced composites without compromise of mechanical properties.

Nir, Z.↗

Preliminary evaluation of large area bonding processes for repair of graphite/polyimide composites

It is pointed out that graphite/polyimide (Gr/PI) composites are potential candidates for primary and secondary structural components in the next generation of reusable space vehicles and supersonic aircraft which are to possess operational capabilities involving the temperature range from 400 to 600 F. In connection with the considered applications, it is necessary to establish economic and reliable methods for the repair of Gr/PI composite components which have been damaged. The present investigation is concerned with the results of research conducted to develop a bonding process applicable to the repair of large areas in Gr/PI composite structural components. Attention is given to five repair techniques for Gr/PI composite materials. The techniques were employed to fabricate large panels from which flexure and short-beam-shear specimens were machined.

Deaton, J. W.↗

Field-incidence noise transmission loss of general aviation aircraft double wall configurations

Theoretical formulations have been developed to describe the transmission of reverberant sound through an infinite, semi-infinite and a finite double panel structure. The model incorporates the fundamental resonance frequencies of each of the panels, the mass-air-mass resonances of the structure, the standing wave resonances in the cavity between the panels and finally the coincidence resonance regions, where the exciting sound pressure wave and flexural waves of each of the panels coincide. It is shown that phase cancellation effects of pressure waves reflected from the cavity boundaries back into the cavity allows the transmission loss of a finite double panel structure to be approximated by a finite double panel mounted in an infinite baffle having no cavity boundaries. Comparison of the theory with high quality transmission loss data yields good agreement in the mass-controlled frequency region. It is shown that the application of acoustic blankets to the double panel structure does not eliminate the mass-air-mass resonances if those occur at low frequencies. It is concluded that this frequency region of low noise transmission loss is a potential interior noise problem area for propeller driven aircraft having a double panel fuselage construction.

Grosveld, F. W.↗

Development of a rotary power transformer and inverter drive for spacecraft

Many future satellites and spacecraft with spun and despun configurations will require the transfer of power across rotating interfaces in lieu of slip-rings and/or flexures. This is particularly true of spacecraft that have to demonstrate a long life expectancy. The rotary transformer has the desirable characteristics of high reliability and low noise, which qualify it as a potential replacement for slip rings. Development of a rotary power transformer follows the successful completion of a task to develop rotary signal-level transformers for the Galileo Spacecraft Project. The physical configuration of a rotary power transformer has a significant effect on its magnetic and electrical characteristics and therefore impacts the design of the dc/ac inverter driver. Important characteristics addressed during this development effort include: operating frequency, efficiency, transformer gap size, leakage inductance, and leakage flux. A breadboard inverter and rotary transformer were designed, fabricated and tested.

Mclyman, W. T.↗

Stagger angle dependence of inertial and elastic coupling in bladed disks

Conditions which necessitate the inclusion of disk and shaft flexibility in the analysis of blade response in rotating blade-disk-shaft systems are derived in terms of nondimensional parameters. A simple semianalytical Rayleigh-Ritz model is derived in which the disk possesses all six rigid body degrees of freedom, which are elastically constrained by the shaft. Inertial coupling by the rigid body motion of the disk on a flexible shaft and out-of-plane elastic coupling due to disk flexure are included. Frequency ratios and mass ratios, which depend on the stagger angle, are determined for three typical rotors: a first stage high-pressure core compressor, a high bypass ratio fan, and an advanced turboprop. The stagger angle controls the degree of coupling in the blade-disk system. In the blade-disk-shaft system, the stagger angle determines whether blade-disk motion couples principally to the out-of-plane or in-plane motion of the disk on the shaft. The Ritz analysis shows excellent agreement with experimental results.

Crawley, E. F.↗

Sinterability, strength and oxidation of alpha silicon carbide powders

An investigation is made of pressureless sintering of commercially available alpha-SiC powders at temperatures between 1900 and 2150 C for periods of 10 to 240 min under one atmosphere of argon pressure. It is found that alpha-SiC powder containing boron and carbon sintering aids is sinterable at 2150 C for a period of 30 min to a high final density (greater than 96 percent of theoretical). In alpha-SiC powder containing aluminum and carbon sintering aids, the final density achieved is only about 80 percent of theoretical. Determinations are made of room temperature and high temperature (1370 C) flexure strength and oxidation resistance on sintered high density (more than 96 percent of theoretical) alpha-SiC (boron, carbon) material. It is found that both the strength and the resistance to oxidation are equivalent and comparable to those of the sintered alpha-SiC which represents the state of the art.

Dutta, S.↗

The impact of remote manipulator structural dynamics on Shuttle on-orbit flight control

The performance of the Space Shuttle on-orbit flight control system during payload operations with the remote manipulator system is described. The changing mass and inertia distribution associated with payload manipulation can have a significant effect on the control authority provided by the orbiter's reaction control jets. Commanded payload motion and jet firings can excite significant flexure in the orbiter/manipulator/payload structure. These effects combine to stress the control capabilities of the flight control system. Data from recent flight tests is presented to illustrate these effects.

Sargent, D. G.↗

Modification of epoxy-reinforced glass-cloth composites with a perfluorinated alkyl ether elastomer

A perfluorinated alkyl ether diacyl fluoride prepolymer (molecular weight about 1500) was coreacted with Epon 828 epoxy resin and diamino diphenyl sulfone to obtain an elastomer-toughened, glass-cloth composite. Improvements in flexural toughness, impact resistance, and water resistance, without loss of strength, modulus of elasticity or a lowering of the glass-transition temperature, were realized over those of the unmodified composite. Factors concerning optimization of the process are discussed. Results suggest that a simultaneously interpenetrating polymer network may be formed which gives rise to a measured improvement in composite mechanical properties.

Rosser, R. W.↗

High-Strength, Low-Shrinkage Ceramic Tiles

Addition of refractory fibers and whiskers to insulating tiles composed primarily of fibrous silica, such as those used on the skin of Space Shuttle orbiter, greatly improves properties. New composition suitable for lightweight, thermally-stable mirror blanks and as furnace and kiln insulation. Improved tiles made with current tile-fabrication processes. For given density, tiles containing silicon carbide and boron additives stronger in flexure than tiles made from silica alone. In addition, tiles with additives nearly immune to heat distortion, whereas pure-silica tiles shrink and become severely distorted.

Wheeler, W. H.↗

Development of new and improved polymer matrix resin systems, phase 1

Vinystilbazole (vinylstryrylpyridine) and vinylpolystyrulpyridine were prepared for the purpose of modifying bismaleimide composite resins. Cure studies of resins systems were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. The vinylstyrylpyridine-modified bismaleimide composite resins were found to have lower cure and gel temperatures, and shorter cure times than the corresponding unmodified composite resins. The resin systems were reinforced with commercially avialable satin-weave carbon cloth. Prepregs were fabricated by solvent or hot melt techniques. Thermal stability, flammability, moisture absorption, and mechanical properties of the composites (such as flexural strength, modulus, tensile and short beam shear strength) were determined. Composite laminates showed substantial improvements in both processability and mechanical properties compared to he bismaleimide control systems. The vinylstyrylpyridine modified bismaleimide resins can be used as advanced matrix resins for graphite secondary structures where ease of processing, fireworthiness, and high temperature stability are required for aerospace applications.

Hsu, M. S.↗

Interactive buckling of thin-walled structural components under static and dynamic loads

Recent advances in the study of interactive buckling of thin walled structural components achieved with the aid of finite strip technique used in conjunction with the theory of mode interaction are summarized. The interaction of the primary local mode with Euler buckling (in columns) and flexural torsional buckling (in columns and beams) is of primary interest. The interaction of two companion local modes with the overall mode is also considered briefly for the columns with doubly symmetric cross sections. The effect of dynamic loads in the form of suddenly applied and compression is also investigated.

Sridharan, S.↗

Design of electromagnetic bearing for vibration control of flexible transmission shaft

Recently magnetic bearings were proposed by several researchers and shown to be viable on a variety of rotor assemblies. The design and construction of such a bearing, which employs features hitherto not used by other workers is examined. These include an original approach to the design of the electromagnets and their amplifiers, and to software in a digital control system, to condition the control signals so as to make the magnets appear to be linear and uncoupled. The resulting system is used to control a rotor-bearing assembly, whose speed range covers two flexural-critical speeds.

Gondhalekar, V.↗

Integrated Technology Rotor/Flight Research Rotor (ITR/FRR) concept definition study

Studies were conducted by Hughes Helicopters, Inc. (HHI) for the Applied Technology Laboratory and Aeromechanics Laboratory, U.S. Army Research and Technology Laboratories (AVRADCOM) and the Ames Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Results of predesign studies of advanced main rotor hubs, including bearingless designs, are presented in this report. In addition, the Government's rotor design goals and specifications were reviewed and evaluated. Hub concepts were designed and qualitatively evaluated in order to select the two most promising concepts for further development. Various flexure designs, control systems, and pitchcase designs were investigated during the initial phases of this study. The two designs selected for additional development were designated the V-strap and flat-strap cruciform hubs. These hubs were designed for a four bladed rotor and were sized for 18,400 pounds gross weight with the same diameter (62 feet) and solidity (23 inch chord) as the existing rotor on the Rotor Systems Research Aircraft (RSRA).

Hughes, C. W.↗