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At least 109 records · Page 6

Analytical and experimental investigation of aircraft metal structures reinforced with filamentary composites. Phase 2: Structural fatigue, thermal cycling, creep, and residual strength

Specimens representative of metal aircraft structural components reinforced with boron filamentary composites were manufactured and tested under cyclic loading, cyclic temperature, or continuously applied loading to evaluate some of the factors that affect structural integrity under cyclic conditions. Bonded, stepped joints were used throughout to provide composite-to-metal transition regions at load introduction points. Honeycomb panels with titanium or aluminum faces reinforced with unidirectional boron composite were fatigue tested at constant amplitude under completely reversed loading. Results indicated that the matrix material was the most fatigue-sensitive part of the design, with debonding initiating in the stepped joints. However, comparisons with equal weight all-metal specimens show a 10 to 50 times improved fatigue life. Fatigue crack propagation and residual strength were studied for several different stiffened panel concepts, and were found to vary considerably depending on the configuration. Composite-reinforced metal specimens were also subjected to creep and thermal cycling tests. Thermal cycling of stepped joint tensile specimens resulted in a ten percent decrease in residual strength after 4000 cycles.

Blichfeldt, B.↗

Isolation, characterization, and primary structure of rubredoxin from the photosynthetic bacterium, Heliobacillus mobilis

Rubredoxin is a small nonheme iron protein that serves as an electron carrier in bacterial systems. Rubredoxin has now been isolated and characterized from the strictly anaerobic phototroph, Heliobacillus mobilis. THe molecular mass (5671.3 Da from the amino acid sequence) was confirmed and partial formylation of the N-terminal methionyl residue was established by matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectroscopy. The complete 52-amino-acid sequence was determined by a combination of N-terminal sequencing by Edman degradation and C-terminal sequencing by a novel method using carboxypeptidase treatment in conjunction with amino acid analysis and laser desorption time of flight mass spectrometry. The molar absorption coefficient of Hc. mobilis rubredoxin at 490 nm is 6.9 mM-1 cm-1 and the midpoint redox potential at pH 8.0 is -46 mV. The EPR spectrum of the oxidized form shows resonances at g = 9.66 and 4.30 due to a high-spin ferric iron. The amino acid sequence is homologous to those of rubredoxins from other species, in particular, the gram-positive bacteria, and the phototrophic green sulfur bacteria, and the evolutionary implications of this are discussed.

NASA Discipline Number 52-30↗

Optimal Composite Material for Low Cost Fabrication of Large Composite Aerospace Structures using NASA Resins or POSS Nanoparticle Modifications

Thermoplastic laminates in situ consolidated via tape or tow placement require full mechanical properties. Realizing full properties requires resin crystallinity to be controlled - partial crystallinity leads to unacceptably low laminate compression properties. There are two approaches: utilize an amorphous matrix resin; or place material made from a semi-crystalline resin featuring kinetics faster than the process. In this paper, a matrix resin evaluation and trade study was completed with commercial and NASA amorphous polyimides on the one hand, and with PEKK mixed with POSS nanoparticles for accelerated crystallinity growth on the other. A new thermoplastic impregnated material, 6 mm wide (0.25-in) AS-4 carbon/LaRC(TradeMark)8515 dry polyimide tow, was fabricated. Since LaRC(TradeMark)8515 is fully amorphous, it attains full properties following in situ consolidation, with no post processing required to build crystallinity. The tow in situ processing was demonstrated via in situ thermoplastic filament winding it into rings.

Lamontia, Mark A.↗

Narrow band emission from lithographically defined photonic bandgap structures in silicon: matching theory and experiment

The authors previously reported discovery of narrow, thermal emission bands from symmetrically patterned features etched into silicon wafers. In this paper, we report further results that show the measured absorption peaks for such patterned surfaces match theoretical calculations of the complete electrodynamic problem solved using the Transfer Matrix Method (TMM).

photonic↗

Estimation of 3D Woven Design Sensitivities Using a Rapid Multiscale Analysis Technique

Highly-refined finite element models of three-dimension (3D) woven composite systems currently require excessive computational demands that limit their use in sensitivity analysis, uncertainty quantification, and optimization. An alternative analysis methodology was developed using the NASA Multiscale Analysis Tool (NASMAT) where multiscale models of a 3D woven composite (including inter-tow matrix voids and constituent failure) can be completed on a single central processing unit(CPU)on the order of ~30 s. To develop inputs and validation data for the NASMAT model, coupon and acid-digesting testing and x-ray computed tomography were performed. The NASMAT inputs were parameterized using a set of 25 input variables and distributions. These inputs were randomly sampled to generate a total of 100,000 NASMAT analyses that could be used to understand the influence of different material and geometric properties on the warp and weft-direction stiffness and strength. These analyses (including pre/post-processing) were performed in less than eight hours on a 120 CPU cluster. The computational efficiency of the NASMAT model enabled a sensitivity analysis to be performed, and dominant input variables were able to be identified. Key results were consistent with theoretical and experimental observations for the specific 3D woven system studied in this work.

NASMAT↗

Estimation of 3D Woven Design Sensitivities Using a Rapid Multiscale Analysis Technique

Highly-refined finite element models of three-dimension (3D) woven composite systems currently require excessive computational demands that limit their use in sensitivity analysis, uncertainty quantification, and optimization. An alternative analysis methodology was developed using the NASA Multiscale Analysis Tool (NASMAT) where multiscale models of a 3D woven composite (including inter-tow matrix voids and constituent failure) can be completed on a single central processing unit (CPU) on the order of ~30s. To develop inputs and validation data for the NASMAT model, coupon and acid-digesting testing and x-ray computed tomography were performed. The NASMAT inputs were parameterized using a set of 25 input variables and distributions. These inputs were randomly sampled to generate a total of 100,000 NASMAT analyses that could be used to understand the influence of different material and geometric properties on the warp and weft-direction stiffness and strength. These analyses (including pre/post-processing) were performed in less than eight hours on a 120 CPU cluster. The computational efficiency of the NASMAT model enabled a sensitivity analysis to be performed, and dominant input variables were able to be identified. Key results were consistent with theoretical and experimental observations for the specific 3D woven system studied in this work.

NASMAT↗

Process for the manufacture of seamless metal-clad fiber-reinforced organic matrix composite structures

A process for producing seamless metal-clad composite structures includes providing a hollow, metallic inner member and an outer sleeve to surround the inner member and define an inner space therebetween. A plurality of continuous reinforcing fibers is attached to the distal end of the outside diameter of the inner member, and the inner member is then introduced, distal end first, into one end of the outer sleeve. The inner member is then moved, distal end first, into the outer sleeve until the inner member is completely enveloped by the outer sleeve. A liquid matrix material is then injected into the space containing the reinforcing fibers between the inner member and the outer sleeve. Next a pressurized heat transfer medium is passed through the inner member to cure the liquid matrix material. Finally, the wall thickness of both the inner member and the outer sleeve are reduced to desired dimensions by chemical etching, which adjusts the thermal expansion coefficient of the metal-clad composite structure to a desired value.

Bluck, Raymond M.↗

Effects of Fiber Content on Mechanical Properties of CVD SiC Fiber-Reinforced Strontium Aluminosilicate Glass-Ceramic Composites

Unidirectional CVD SiC(f)(SCS-6) fiber-reinforced strontium aluminosilicate (SAS) glass-ceramic matrix composites containing various volume fractions, approximately 16 to 40 volume %, of fibers were fabricated by hot pressing at 1400 C for 2 h under 27.6 MPa. Monoclinic celsian, SrAl2Si2O8, was the only crystalline phase formed, with complete absence of the undesired hexacelsian phase, in the matrix. Room temperature mechanical properties were measured in 3-point flexure. The matrix microcracking stress and the ultimate strength increased with increase in fiber volume fraction, reached maximum values for V(sub f) approximately equal to 0.35, and degraded at higher fiber loadings. This degradation in mechanical properties is related to the change in failure mode, from tensile at lower V(sub f) to interlaminar shear at higher fiber contents. The extent of fiber loading did not have noticeable effect on either fiber-matrix debonding stress, or frictional sliding stress at the interface. The applicability of micromechanical models in predicting the mechanical properties of the composites was also examined. The currently available theoretical models do not appear to be useful in predicting the values of the first matrix cracking stress, and the ultimate strength of the SCS-6/SAS composites.

Bansal, Narottam P.↗

Experiment K-7-29: Connective Tissue Studies: Rodent Tissue Repair: Skeletal Muscle - Part 3

Myofiber injury-repair was studied in the rat gastrocnemius following a crush injury to the lower leg prior to flight in order to understand if the regenerative responses of muscles are altered by the lack of gravitational forces during Cosmos 2044 flight. After 14 days of flight, the gastrocnemius muscle was removed from the 5 injured flight rodents and various Earth-based treatment groups for comparison. The Earth-based animals consisted of three groups of five rats with injured muscles from a simulated, tail-suspended, and vivarium as well as an uninjured basal group. The gastrocnemius muscle from each was evaluated by histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques to document myofiber, vascular, and connective tissue alterations following injury. In general the repair process was somewhat similar in all injured muscle samples with regard to extracellular matrix organization and myofiber regeneration. Small and large myofibers were present with a newly organized extracellular matrix indicative of myogenesis and muscle regeneration. In the tail-suspended animals, a more complete repair was observed with no enlarged area of non-muscle cells or matrix material visible. In contrast, the muscle samples from the flight animals were less well differentiated with more macrophages and blood vessels in the repair region but small myofibers and proteoglycans, nevertheless, were in their usual configuration. Thus, myofiber repair did vary in muscles from the different groups, but for the most part, resulted in functional muscle tissue.

Stauber, W.↗

Experimental evaluation of longitudinal splitting in unidirectional composites

An experimental study was conducted to determine the fracture behavior of centernotched, 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. Experimental results show the fracture behavior to consist of two modes of longitudinal matrix splitting. After split initiation, a region of slow, stable split growth occurs. This is followed by a distinct transition into a rapid split growth region. However, the shear-lag model predicts a single region of rapid longitudinal split growth behavior with unbounded splitting occurring after approximately a ten percent increase in the applied stress over the split initiation stress. It is therefore concluded that the classical shear-lag model does not accurately predict the complete longitudinal split growth behavior in a brittle matrix composite. This shortcoming in the model and some results obtained from related elasticity solutions are discussed and it is suggested that the slow, stable split growth region is likely dominated by transverse matrix normal stresses which are not accounted for in the classical shear-lag model.

Wolla, Jeffrey M.↗

A NASTRAN DMAP alter for determining a local stiffness modification to obtain a specified eigenvalue

A technique is described which has been programmed as a DMAP Alter to Rigid Format 3, for determining a stiffness matrix modification to obtain a specified eigenvalue for a structure. The stiffness matrix modifications allowable are those that can be described as the product of a single scalar variable and a matrix of constant coefficients input by the user. The program solves for the scalar variable multiplier which will yield a specified eigenvalue for the complete structure (provided it exists), makes the modification to the stiffness matrix, and proceeds in Rigid Format 3 to obtain the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the modified structure.

Case, W. R., Jr.↗

Probabilistic micromechanics and macromechanics of polymer matrix composites

A probabilistic evaluation of an eight ply graphite-epoxy quasi-isotropic laminate was completed using the Integrated Composite Analyzer (ICAN) in conjunction with Monte Carlo simulation and Fast Probability Integration (FPI) techniques. Probabilistic input included fiber and matrix properties, fiber misalignment, fiber volume ratio, void volume ratio, ply thickness and ply layup angle. Cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) for select laminate properties are given. To reduce the number of simulations, a Fast Probability Integration (FPI) technique was used to generate CDFs for the select properties in the absence of fiber misalignment. These CDFs were compared to a second Monte Carlo simulation done without fiber misalignment effects. It was found that FPI requires fewer simulations to obtain the cumulative distribution functions as opposed to Monte Carlo simulation techniques. Furthermore, FPI provides valuable information regarding the sensitivities of composite properties to the constituent properties, fiber volume ratio and void volume ratio.

Mase, G. T.↗

Probabilistic micromechanics and macromechanics of polymer matrix composites

A probabilistic evaluation of an eight ply graphite-epoxy quasi-isotropic laminate was completed using the Integrated Composite Analyzer (ICAN) in conjunction with Monte Carlo simulation and Fast Probability Integration (FPI) techniques. Probabilistic input included fiber and matrix properties, fiber misalignment, fiber volume ratio, void volume ratio, ply thickness and ply layup angle. Cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) for select laminate properties are given. To reduce the number of simulations, a Fast Probability Integration (FPI) technique was used to generate CDFs for the select properties in the absence of fiber misalignment. These CDFs were compared to a second Monte Carlo simulation done without fiber misalignment effects. It was found that FPI requires fewer simulations to obtain the cumulative distribution functions as opposed to Monte Carlo simulation techniques. Furthermore, FPI provides valuable information regarding the sensitivities of composite properties to the constituent properties, fiber volume ratio and void volume ratio.

Mase, G. T.↗

Prediction of payload vibration environments by mechanical admittance test techniques

A series of experiments was conducted with simple beam and mass launch vehicle and payload models in order to determine the validity of mechanical admittance/impedance techniques applied to development of improved payload vibration tests. Admittances and impedances were measured from tests of the individual components to form matrices which were combined analytically to allow prediction of responses for the complete system. Results were computed for a transmission matrix approach and an admittance matrix approach. Both a rigid body and a flexible payload model were considered. The results clearly demonstrate that the transmission matrix method is too sensitive to measurement error to be practical for this application, while the pure admittance matrix method produces quite satisfactory results. The effects of various errors on the final results are demonstrated.

Kana, D. D.↗

Prediction of payload vibration environments by mechanical admittance test techniques

A series of experiments were conducted with simple beam and mass launch vehicle and payload models in order to determine the validity of mechanical admittance/impedance techniques applied to development of improved payload vibration tests. Admittance and impedances were measured from tests of the individual components to form matrices which were combined analytically to allow prediction of responses for the complete system. Results were computed for a transmission matrix approach and an admittance matrix approach. Only results for the admittance method appeared to be satisfactory when compared to measurements on the combined system.

Kana, D. D.↗

Vibration analysis of rotor blades with an attached concentrated mass

The effect of an attached concentrated mass on the dynamics of helicopter rotor blades is determined. The point transmission matrix method was used to define, through three completely automated computer programs, the natural vibrational characteristics (natural frequencies and mode shapes) of rotor blades. The problems of coupled flapwise bending, chordwise bending, and torsional vibration of a twisted nonuniform blade and its special subcase pure torsional vibration are discussed. The orthogonality relations that exist between the natural modes of rotor blades with an attached concentrated mass are derived. The effect of pitch, rotation, and point mass parameters on the collective, cyclic, scissor, and pure torsional modes of a seesaw rotor blade is determined.

Murthy, V. R.↗

Computerized systems analysis and optimization of aircraft engine performance, weight, and life cycle costs

The computational techniques utilized to determine the optimum propulsion systems for future aircraft applications and to identify system tradeoffs and technology requirements are described. The characteristics and use of the following computer codes are discussed: (1) NNEP - a very general cycle analysis code that can assemble an arbitrary matrix fans, turbines, ducts, shafts, etc., into a complete gas turbine engine and compute on- and off-design thermodynamic performance; (2) WATE - a preliminary design procedure for calculating engine weight using the component characteristics determined by NNEP; (3) POD DRG - a table look-up program to calculate wave and friction drag of nacelles; (4) LIFCYC - a computer code developed to calculate life cycle costs of engines based on the output from WATE; and (5) INSTAL - a computer code developed to calculate installation effects, inlet performance and inlet weight. Examples are given to illustrate how these computer techniques can be applied to analyze and optimize propulsion system fuel consumption, weight, and cost for representative types of aircraft and missions.

Fishbach, L. H.↗