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At least 955 records · Page 53

Prediction of response of aircraft panels subjected to acoustic and thermal loads

The primary effort of this research project has been focused on the development of analytical methods for the prediction of random response of structural panels subjected to combined and intense acoustic and thermal loads. The accomplishments on various acoustic fatigue research activities are described first, then followed by publications and theses. Topics covered include: transverse shear deformation; finite element models of vibrating composite laminates; large deflection vibration modeling; finite element analysis of thermal buckling; and prediction of three dimensional duct using boundary element method.

Mei, Chuh↗

Development of a Composite Tailoring Technique for Airplane Wing

Development of a new composite beam modeling technique to represent the principal load-carrying member in the wing is reported along with the development of a formal design optimization procedure to investigate the effect of composite tailoring on aeroelastic stability and structural characteristics of airplane wings. The developed procedure is used to perform design optimization studies on realistic airplane configurations to investigate the various aeroelastic/structural/dynamic design issues.

Chattopadhyay, Aditi↗

High Strain-Rate and Temperature Effects on the Response of Composites

The objective of the research is to expand the experimental study of the effect of strain rate on mechanical response (deformation and failure) of epoxy resins and carbon fibers/epoxy matrix composites, to include elevated temperature tests. The experimental data provide the information needed for NASA scientists for the development of a nonlinear, strain rate and temperature dependent deformation and strength models for composites that can subsequently be used in design. This year effort was directed into the development and testing of the epoxy resin at elevated temperatures. Two types of epoxy resins were tested in shear at high strain rates of about 700 per second and elevated temperatures of 50 and 80 C. The results show that the temperature significantly affects the response of epoxy.

Gilat, Amos↗

Aerosol properties computed from aircraft-based observations during the ACE- Asia campaign: A case study of lidar ratio closure and aerosol radiative effects - 2

For a vertical profile with three distinct layers (marine boundary, pollution and dust), observed during the ACE-Asia campaign, we carried out a comparison between the modeled lidar ratio vertical profile and that obtained from collocated airborne NASA AATS-14 sunphotometer and shipborne Micro-Pulse Lidar (MPL) measurements. Vertically resolved lidar ratio was calculated from two size distribution vertical profiles - one obtained by inversion of sunphotometer-derived extinction spectra, and one measured in-situ - combined with the same refractive index model based on aerosol chemical composition. The aerosol model implies single scattering albedos of 0.78 - 0.81 and 0.93 - 0.96 at 0.523 microns (the wavelength of the lidar measurements), in the pollution and dust layers, respectively. The lidar ratios calculated from the two size distribution profiles have close values in the dust layer; they are however, significantly lower than the lidar ratios derived from combined lidar and sunphotometer measurements, most probably due to the use of a simple nonspherical model with a single particle shape in our calculations. In the pollution layer, the two size distribution profiles yield generally different lidar ratios. The retrieved size distributions yield a lidar ratio which is in better agreement with that derived from lidar/sunphotometer measurements in this layer, with still large differences at certain altitudes (the largest relative difference was 46%). We explain these differences by non-uniqueness of the result of the size distribution retrieval and lack of information on vertical variability of particle refractive index. Radiative transfer calculations for this profile showed significant atmospheric radiative forcing, which occurred mainly in the pollution layer. We demonstrate that if the extinction profile is known then information on the vertical structure of absorption and asymmetry parameter is not significant for estimating forcing at TOA and the surface, while it is of importance for estimating vertical profiles of radiative forcing and heating rates.

Kuzmanoski, Maja↗

The Strengths and Limitations of Satellite Data for Evaluating Tropospheric Processes in Chemistry-Climate Models

There is now a wealth of satellite data products available with which to evaluate a model fs simulation of tropospheric composition and other model processes. All of these data products have their strengths and limitations that need to be considered for this purpose. For example, uncertainties are introduced into a data product when 1) converting a slant column to a vertical column and 2) estimating the amount of a total column of a trace gas (e.g., ozone, nitrogen dioxide) that resides in the troposphere. Oftentimes, these uncertainties are not well quantified and the satellite data products are not well evaluated against in situ observations. However, these limitations do not preclude us from using these data products to evaluate our model processes if we understand these strengths and limitations when developing diagnostics. I will show several examples of how satellite data products are being used to evaluate particular model processes with a focus on the strengths and limitations of these data products. In addition, I will introduce the goals of a newly formed team to address issues on the topic of "satellite data for improved model evaluation and process studies" that is established in support of the IGAC/SPARC Global Chemistry ]Climate Modeling and Evaluation Workshop.

Duncan, Bryan↗

Prediction Skill of the MJO Teleconnection Signals in the NASA GEOS Subseasonal Reforecasts

Tropical-extratropical teleconnections are considered key to advancing subseasonal prediction. The Madden Julian oscillation (MJO), characterized by large scale convective envelopes propagating along the tropical Indo-Pacific sector, is known to modulate midlatitude circulation and associated weather patterns. Although there is a general consensus on the MJO's influence on the midlatitude circulation, which is thought to be due to modulations of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Pacific North America (PNA) pattern, relatively less is known about the predictability of these teleconnection signals in dynamical forecast models. The composite evolution of the midlatitude circulation anomalies and associated wave train structure as the delayed response to tropical heating are reported in many studies that have examined reanalyses and long model simulations. However, it is yet to be determined whether they lend any beneficial subseasonal forecast skill, especially to weekly mean surface temperature and precipitation over North America. Investigating useful predictable signals from the MJO teleconnections is also complicated by the fact that the MJO is a moving heat source with an approximate periodicity of 30-60 days, and that the structure and amplitude of the midlatitude response can be sensitive to the longitudinal positioning of the heating anomaly as well as the propagation speed of the MJO. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of MJO teleconnections on forecast accuracy at 2-3 week lead over North America, with an emphasis on the above-mentioned lesser known aspects of these teleconnections. To this end, we utilize a suite of subseasonal reforecasts performed with the latest NASA GEOS-5 seasonal-to-subseasonal (S2S) system. These reforecasts were performed as part of the NOAA SubX project, wherein the NASA GEOS-5 atmosphere-ocean coupled model was run at degree horizontal resolution, initialized every 5 days for the period 1999-2016. The GEOS-5 model shows skillful predictions of the MJO, with the correlation coefficient based on the real-time multivariate MJO (RMM) index staying at or above 0.5 up to forecast lead 26-36 days. The system is thus a useful tool for investigating MJO teleconnection processes.

Achuthavarier, Deepthi↗

High Energy Dynamic Impact Testing of APC AS4/PEKK-FC and TC1225 LMPAEK T700G Thermoplastic Composite Materials

High energy dynamic impact tests were conducted on Solvay APC AS4D/PEKK-FC and Toray TC1225 LMPAEK T700Gthermoplastic composite laminates. The primary objective was to provide data for evaluation of computational composite impact models. Empirical results indicate an approximately 50% increase in penetration threshold velocity and over 100% increase in penetration energy threshold for the TC1225 LMPAEK T700Gcomposite compared to the APC AS4D/PEKK-FC composite. The velocity required to produce NDE-detectable delamination in the TC1225 LMPAEK T700Gcomposite was roughly twice that for the APC AS4D/PEKK-FC composite. Comparison of the normalized energy absorption showed similar results for the APC AS4D/PEKK-FC system compared to a previously studied IM7/8552 composite material. The TC1225 LMPAEK T700Gsystem absorbed approximately twice that of the other two systems when normalized by areal weight.

Impact↗

Computer Simulation of Spatial Arrangement and Connectivity of Particles in Three-Dimensional Microstructure: Application to Model Electrical Conductivity of Polymer Matrix Composite

Computer simulation is a powerful tool for analyzing the geometry of three-dimensional microstructure. A computer simulation model is developed to represent the three-dimensional microstructure of a two-phase particulate composite where particles may be in contact with one another but do not overlap significantly. The model is used to quantify the "connectedness" of the particulate phase of a polymer matrix composite containing hollow carbon particles in a dielectric polymer resin matrix. The simulations are utilized to estimate the morphological percolation volume fraction for electrical conduction, and the effective volume fraction of the particles that actually take part in the electrical conduction. The calculated values of the effective volume fraction are used as an input for a self-consistent physical model for electrical conductivity. The predicted values of electrical conductivity are in very good agreement with the corresponding experimental data on a series of specimens having different particulate volume fraction.

Louis, P.↗

Particle Size Optimization of Thermochemical Salt Hydrates for High Energy Density Thermal Storage

Thermal energy storage (TES) solutions offer opportunities to reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and cost. Specifically, they can help reduce the peak load and address the intermittency of renewable energy sources by time shifting the load, which are critical toward zero energy buildings. Thermochemical materials (TCMs) as a class of TES undergo a solid–gas reversible chemical reaction with water vapor to store and release energy with high storage capacities (600 kWh m −3 ) and negligible self‐discharge that makes them uniquely suited as compact, stand‐alone units for daily or seasonal storage. However, TCMs suffer from instabilities at the material (salt particles) and reactor level (packed beds of salt), resulting in poor multi‐cycle efficiency and high‐levelized cost of storage. In this study, a model is developed to predict the pulverization limit or R crit of various salt hydrates during thermal cycling. This is critical as it provides design rules to make mechanically stable TCM composites as well as enables the use of more energy‐efficient manufacturing process (solid‐state mixing) to make the composites. The model is experimentally validated on multiple TCM salt hydrates with different water content, and effect of R crit on hydration and dehydration kinetics is also investigated.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Nonlinear fracture of concrete and ceramics

The nonlinear fracture process zones in an impacted unnotched concrete bend specimen, a prenotched ceramic bend specimen, and an unnotched ceramic/ceramic composite bend specimen were estimated through hybrid experimental numerical analysis. Aggregate bridging in concrete, particulate bridging in ceramics, and fiber bridging in ceramic/ceramic composite are modeled by Barenblatt-type cohesive zones which are incorporated into the finite-element models of the bend specimens. Both generation and propagation analyses are used to estimate the distribution of crack closure stresses in the nonlinear fracture process zones. The finite-element models are then used to simulate fracture tests consisting of rapid crack propagation in an impacted concrete bend specimen, and stable crack growth and strain softening in a ceramic and ceramic/ceramic composite bend specimens.

Kobayashi, Albert S.↗

Modeling Carbon-Based Nanomaterials (CNMs) and Derived Composites and Devices

A review of different modeling techniques, specifically in the framework of carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs, including nanoparticles such as graphene and carbon nanotubes—CNTs) and the composites and devices that can be derived from them, is presented. The article emphasizes that the overall performance of these materials depends on mechanisms that operate across different time and spatial scales, requiring tailored approaches based on the material type, size, internal structure/configuration, and the specific properties of interest. Far from attempting to cover the entire spectrum of models, this review examines a wide range of analysis and simulation techniques, highlighting their potential use, some of their weaknesses and strengths, and presenting the latest developments and some application examples. In this way, it is shown how modeling can provide key information for tailoring or designing new materials for specific components or systems or to obtain certain functionalities. At the same time, it is revealed to be an area constantly undergoing development and improvement, as evidenced by the progress made by various of these techniques and the new modeling approaches that have emerged in recent years.

Chiminelli, Agustίn (ORCID:0000000230312107)↗

Thermal modeling of nickel-hydrogen battery cells operating under transient orbital conditions

An analytical study of the thermal operating characteristics of nickel-hydrogen battery cells is presented. Combined finite-element and finite-difference techniques are employed to arrive at a computationally efficient composite thermal model representing a series-cell arrangement operating in conjunction with a radiately coupled baseplate and coldplate thermal bus. An aggressive, low-mass design approach indicates that thermal considerations can and should direct the design of the thermal bus arrangement. Special consideration is given to the potential for mixed conductive and convective processes across the hydrogen gap. Results of a compressible flow model are presented and indicate the transfer process is suitably represented by molecular conduction. A high-fidelity thermal model of the cell stack (and related components) indicates the presence of axial and radial temperature gradients. A detailed model of the thermal bus reveals the thermal interaction of individual cells and is imperative for assessing the intercell temperature gradients.

Schrage, Dean S.↗

Turbomachinery aeroelasticity at NASA Lewis Research Center

The turbomachinery aeroelastic effort is focused on unstalled and stalled flutter, forced response, and whirl flutter of both single rotation and counter rotation propfans. It also includes forced response of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) turbopump blades. Because of certain unique features of propfans and the SSME turbopump blades, it is not possible to directly use the existing aeroelastic technology of conventional propellers, turbofans or helicopters. Therefore, reliable aeroelastic stability and response analysis methods for these propulsion systems must be developed. The development of these methods for propfans requires specific basic technology disciplines, such as 2-D and 3-D steady and unsteady aerodynamic theories in subsonic, transonic and supersonic flow regimes; modeling of composite blades; geometric nonlinear effects; and passive and active control of flutter and response. These methods are incorporated in a computer program, ASTROP. The program has flexibility such that new and future models in basic disciplines can be easily implemented.

Kaza, Krishna Rao V.↗

The Parent Magmas of the Cumulate Eucrites: A Mass Balance Approach

The cumulate eucrite meteorites are gabbros that are related to the eucrite basalt meteorites. The eucrite basalts are relatively primitive (nearly flat REE patterns with La approx. 8-30 x CI), but the parent magmas of the cumulate eucrites have been inferred as extremely evolved (La to greater than 100 x CI). This inference has been based on mineral/magma partitioning, and on mass balance considering the cumulate eucrites as adcumulates of plagioclase + pigeonite only; both approaches have been criticized as inappropriate. Here, mass balance including magma + equilibrium pigeonite + equilibrium plagiociase is used to test a simple model for the cumulate eucrites: that they formed from known eucritic magma types, that they consisted only of magma + crystals in chemical equilibrium with the magma, and that they were closed to chemical exchange after the accumulation of crystals. This model is tested for major and Rare Earth Elements (REE). The cumulate eucrites Serra de Mage and Moore County are consistent, in both REE and major elements, with formation by this simple model from a eucrite magma with a composition similar to the Nuevo Laredo meteorite: Serra de Mage as 14% magma, 47.5% pigeonite, and 38.5% plagioclase; Moore County as 35% magma, 37.5% pigeonite, and 27.5% plagioclase. These results are insensitive to the choice of mineral/magma partition coefficients. Results for the Moama cumulate eucrite are strongly dependent on choice of partition coefficients; for one reasonable choice, Moama's composition can be modeled as 4% Nuevo Laredo magma, 60% pigeonite, and 36% plagioclase. Selection of parent magma composition relies heavily on major elements; the REE cannot uniquely indicate a parent magma among the eucrite basalts. The major element composition of Y-791195 can be fit adequately as a simple cumulate from any basaltic eucrite composition. However, Y-791195 has LREE abundances and La/Lu too low to be accommodated within the model using any basaltic eucrite composition and any reasonable partition coefficients. Postcumulus loss of incompatible elements seems possible. It is intriguing that Serra de Mage, Moore County, and Moama are consistent with the same parental magma; could they be from the same igneous body on the eucrite parent asteroid (4 Vesta)?

Treiman, Allan H.↗

Intermetallic matrix composites; Proceedings of the MRS Symposium, San Francisco, CA, Apr. 18-20, 1990

The present volume on intermetallic matrix composites discusses the modeling, processing, microstructure/property relationships, and compatibility of intermetallic matrix composites. Attention is given to models for the strength of ductile matrix composites, innovative processing techniques for intermetallic matrix composites, ductile phase toughening of brittle intermetallics, and reactive synthesis of NbAl3 matrix composites. Topics addressed include solidification processing of NbCr2 alloys, Ta and Nb reinforced MoSi2, the microstructure and mechanical behavior of Ni3Al-matrix composites, and ductile-phase toughening of Cr3Si with chromium. Also discussed are dislocation morphologies in TiB2/NiAl, the development of highly impact resistant NiAl matrix composites, the effect of notches on the fatigue life of the SCS-6Ti3Al composite, and the chemical stability of fiber-metal matrix composites.

Anton, D. L.↗

Modeling of Response of Thermoplastic Composites Under High Energy Impact

This work investigates the response of thermoplastic composites under impact loading. Panels fabricated with the material system under consideration – carbon fiber reinforced low melt semi-crystalline resin TC1225 LMPAEK T700G (T700/LMPAEK) – were subject to impact with an Aluminum projectile, at low and high velocities. At lower velocities, the projectile rebounded from the panel after impact and caused damage e.g. delaminations. Finite element models were developed to model this test using LS-DYNA®, with material model MAT299, a continuum damage model based on the LaRC04 criteria, to capture the dynamic response and damage modes in the T700/LMPAEK panels. Interlaminar delaminations were modeled using the cohesive contact formulation available within LS-DYNA. Previous work by the authors showed that delaminations were consistently underpredicted in size, relative to the test. It was surmised that this was due to effects of strain rate on intralaminar and interlaminar response of the T700/LMPAEK material system. Therefore, the current work is focused on incorporating strain rate effects in modeling the interlaminar response. Rate dependence was incorporated using ‘one-way tie-break contact’ in LS-DYNA, wherein, the Mode-II fracture toughness of the LMPAEK resin, G IIc , was assumed to be an exponential function of the strain rate. In particular, G IIc , was modeled to exponentially decrease at higher strain rates. Models with this form of rate dependence favorably correlated with experimental data regarding delamination extent and rebound velocity, relative to prior models without strain rate effects.

Composite Materials↗

Quasinormal g-modes of neutron stars with quarks

Quasinormal oscillation modes of neutron stars provide a means to probe their interior composition using gravitational wave astronomy. We compute the frequencies and damping times of composition-dependent core 𝑔-modes of neutron stars containing quark matter employing linearized perturbative equations of general relativity. We find that ignoring background metric perturbations due to the oscillating fluid, as in the Cowling approximation, underestimates the 𝑔-mode frequency by up to 10% for higher mass stars, depending on the parameters of the nuclear equation of state and how the mixed phase is constructed. The 𝑔-mode frequencies are well described by a linear scaling with the central lepton (or combined lepton and quark) fraction for nucleonic (hybrid) stars. Furthermore, our findings suggest that neutron stars with and without quarks are manifestly different with regards to their quasinormal 𝑔-mode spectrum, and may thus be distinguished from one another in future observations of gravitational waves from merging neutron stars.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Reflection and emission properties on Venus - Alpha Regio

Procedures developed from Hagfors' (1964) scattering model have been used with success to extract various properties (reflectivity, emissivity, slope, etc.) from both Pioneer Venus and Magellan data. However, under certain circumstances, such as physically rough areas or areas of nonhomogeneous composition, Hagfors' model may lead to serious errors in the interpretation of radar and radiometry data. The Magellan-derived surface properties are examined for some areas of below average emissivity in Alpha Regio and in an area to the east of Alpha, Crater Stuart, in order to determine if Hagfors' model is applicable. Methods of classical multiple scattering theory are also applied to show that enhanced radar backscattering and depressed thermal emission can be expected with a matrix of silicic or mafic rocks embedded in low loss soils.

Tryka, Kimberly A.↗