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At least 109 records · Page 6

Uncertainty quantification for competing failure mechanisms in unidirectionally reinforced carbon–carbon composites

Microstructure-informed finite element models play a key role in the carbon–carbon composite design process. Variability in manufacturing process parameters and experimental limitations introduce model parameter uncertainty. This study quantifies the effect of model parameter uncertainty on transverse tensile fracture behavior and proposes a methodology to predict the failure mode based on competing microscale damage mechanisms. Finite element simulations incorporate fiber–matrix interface debonding with cohesive zones and matrix damage with a smeared crack band approach in a unidirectional carbon–carbon composite. Results from a variance-based global sensitivity analysis identifies interfacial and matrix damage parameters as the primary source of variability in fracture behavior. Sobol’ indices indicate that matrix and cohesive zone strengths contribute 94% of the variance in the effective ultimate stress. A local analysis elucidates the relationship between these constituent strength parameters and failure mode by estimating the probability of cohesive, matrix, and mixed-mode dominated failure. Based on the results for 4000 simulations, 93% exhibit mixed-mode or interfacial dominated failure, which underscores the crucial role of fiber–matrix interface debonding in the transverse tensile failure of carbon–carbon composites. These uncertainty quantification results facilitate more efficient model calibration and provide a framework for microstructure-informed failure predictions in the face of manufacturing-induced uncertainty.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Examining astrophysical gas cloud collapse using an optical depth-scaled, x-ray-irradiated, carbon-foam sphere

When stellar radiation interacts with a molecular cloud, the cloud's fate depends on the strength of the incident radiation and the radiation's mean-free-path within the cloud [F. Bertoldi, Astrophys. J. 346, 735–755 (1989)]. Under the right conditions, the radiation compresses the cloud and a star formation may occur. Where and when the stellar formation occurs in the cloud's collapse are open questions. Direct observation of the complete star–cloud lifecycle is nearly impossible due to the immense timescales and distances over which the interaction occurs. Laboratory astrophysics offers a way to investigate such a system by scaling the important astrophysical parameters to the laboratory. This work describes laboratory experiments to study the radiation-driven implosion of clouds, using x rays from a laser-irradiated, thin, gold foil as a surrogate star and a carbon-foam sphere as a surrogate cloud. An optically thick system, theoretically corresponding to a star-forming regime, was selected by choice of the foam density. Gold foil and sphere motions were imaged by x-ray radiography. Radiographic images show the formation of an interface between rarefied gold and carbon plasmas, a shock moving into the sphere, and a blunting of the initial sphere's shape. Measurements show that the shock moved linearly around 64 μm/ns into the sphere, and the gold–carbon interface formed by 2 ns at the sphere edge remained stationary. The deformation of the sphere was driven by the incident radiation and not by mechanical pressures applied by gold plasma. The blunting of the sphere was likely due to the geometric reduction of flux near the sphere's poles. Higher x-ray flux near the sphere's equator caused high compression and a faster shock, which flattened the sphere. We will discuss the results and implications of our observations.

VanDervort, R. W. [University of Michigan 1 , Ann ↗

Additively Manufactured Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Siliconized Silicon Carbide Composites Using Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone (PEEK) as a Precursor

Herein, we report a method to additively manufacture carbon fiber-reinforced siliconized silicon carbide composites. The process involves the pyrolysis of a 3D-printed carbon fiber-reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) composite to produce a porous carbon fiber-reinforced carbon matrix composite preform, which is subsequently infiltrated with molten silicon to obtain a carbon fiber-reinforced siliconized silicon carbide composite. A key aspect of the method is limiting polymer melt flow during pyrolysis of PEEK, which is achieved by thermally annealing the 3D-printed carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK preform in air at a temperature below PEEK’s melting temperature. Rheological and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements demonstrate that the thermal annealing treatment altered the melting behavior of PEEK, while NMR and FTIR measurements provided a mechanistic explanation for the structural changes responsible for the behavior. It was also found that dimensional changes during pyrolysis were anisotropic with greater shrinkage in the stacking direction of the material.

Yoon, Bola [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000260875373)↗

Uncertainty-Based Design: Finite Element and Explainable Machine Learning Modeling of Carbon–Carbon Composites for Ultra-High Temperature Solar Receivers

Design under uncertainty has significantly grown in research developments during the past decade. Additionally, machine learning (ML) and explainable ML (XML) have offered various opportunities to provide reliable predictable models. The current article investigates the use of finite element modeling (FEM), ML and XML predictions, and uncertain-based design of carbon-carbon (C-C) composites for use in ultra-high temperatures. A C-C composite concentrating solar power (CSP) as a microvascular receiver is considered as a case study. These C-C composites are fiber composites with directly integrated carbonized microchannels to form a lightweight, high-absorptivity material that includes an embedded microvascular network of channels. The topology of these microchannels is engineered to optimize heat transfer to a supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) heat transfer fluid. The mechanical characterization of C-C composites is highly challenging. Thus, designing every component made of C-C composites for ultra-high temperature applications needs an uncertainty-based analysis. As a part of a comprehensive project on the development of a novel carbonized microvascular C-C composite, this paper explores C-C composite sensitivity analysis, FEM, ML prediction, and XML analysis. The resulting composite can then be carbonized and coated with an oxidation-resistant coating to form a thermally efficient and mechanically robust C-C composite. An ANSYS 3-D-FE model was used to analyze the CSP’s stress/strain. To consider the variability in the mechanical and thermal properties of C-C composites, various mechanical properties are considered as the ANSYS FEM’s input. A synthetic dataset from 730 ANSYS runs was produced to feed into the ML and XML algorithms for uncertainty analysis and prediction. The ML and XML algorithms could accurately predict the CSP stresses/strains.

Daghigh, Vahid (ORCID:0000000298941620)↗

Material development aspects of an oxidation protection system for a reinforced carbon-carbon composite

The paper describes the procedures which led to selection of a diffusion-coated siliconized oxidation-resistant reinforced carbon-carbon composite as a candidate for use in the leading edge structure of the Space Shuttle for the purpose of providing thermal protection. Materials were evaluated on the basis of oxidation-inhibitor performance, strength properties, and fabricability. Compounds of titanium, tantalum, zirconium, silicon, hafnium, aluminum, and boron were compounded with the reinforced carbon-carbon material in two different processing techniques to discover an oxidation-inhibited system which provided multicycle protection at temperatures up to 4000 F. Details of the manufacture and testing of the reinforced carbon-carbon composites are provided.

Rogers, D. C.↗

Mechanical behavior of carbon-carbon composites

A general background, test plan, and some results of preliminary examinations of a carbon-carbon composite material are presented with emphasis on mechanical testing and inspection techniques. Experience with testing and evaluation was gained through tests of a low modulus carbon-carbon material, K-Karb C. The properties examined are the density - 1.55 g/cc; four point flexure strength in the warp - 137 MPa (19,800 psi) and the fill - 95.1 MPa (13,800 psi,) directions; and the warp interlaminar shear strength - 14.5 MPa (2100 psi). Radiographic evaluation revealed thickness variations and the thinner areas of the composite were scrapped. The ultrasonic C-scan showed attenuation variations, but these did not correspond to any of the physical and mechanical properties measured. Based on these initial tests and a survey of the literature, a plan has been devised to examine the effect of stress on the oxidation behavior, and the strength degradation of coated carbon-carbon composites. This plan will focus on static fatigue tests in the four point flexure mode in an elevated temperature, oxidizing environment.

Rozak, G. A.↗

Experimental evaluation of candidate carbon-carbon materials for OTV engine nozzle extensions

Advanced carbon-carbon nozzle materials can reduce the weight and improve the efficiency of the proposed reusable Orbit Transfer Vehicle (OTV) liquid rocket engine. Experimental evaluations of eight carbon-carbon materials in an O2/H2 rocket nozzle environment have been performed. The hot fire testing will support the choice of the materials for the OTV nozzle design. The OTV nozzle requirements and operating environment are defined. The rocket device used to simulate the OTV hot-fire nozzle environment for material specimen evaluation is described. The results of hot-fire testing for eight carbon-carbon materials are discussed. Results for coated and uncoated materials, evaluated in side-by-side testing, are compared. Plans for further testing of the leading materials are described.

Suhoza, J. P.↗

Spectral reflectance of carbonate minerals in the visible and near infrared (0.35-2.55 microns) - Anhydrous carbonate minerals

Visible and near IR reflectance spectra for anhydrous carbonate minerals are presented, and the use of the spectra to determine the mineralogy and gaining information for the carbonate minerals is examined. Seven strong absorption bands at wavelengths greater than 1.6 microns are observed in all the spectra of anhydrous end-member carbonate minerals. The band position, intensity, and width for the carbonate bands are studied. The iron and maganese bands for the carbonate minerals are analyzed. The potential causes of spectral differences between carbonate minerals are investigated.

Gaffey, Susan J.↗

An advanced carbon reactor subsystem for carbon dioxide reduction

An evaluation is presented of the development status of an advanced carbon-reactor subsystem (ACRS) for the production of water and dense, solid carbon from CO2 and hydrogen, as required in physiochemical air revitalization systems for long-duration manned space missions. The ACRS consists of a Sabatier Methanation Reactor (SMR) that reduces CO2 with hydrogen to form methane and water, a gas-liquid separator to remove product water from the methane, and a Carbon Formation Reactor (CFR) to pyrolize methane to carbon and hydrogen; the carbon is recycled to the SMR, while the produce carbon is periodically removed from the CFR. A preprototype ACRS under development for the NASA Space Station is described.

Noyes, Gary P.↗

Response of carbon-carbon composites to challenging environments

This paper presents results from material performance evaluations of oxidation-resistant carbon-carbon composites intended for multiuse aerospace applications, which cover the effects of the following environmental parameters: the oxidizing nature of the environments (including both high and low oxygen partial pressures), high temperatures, moisture, cyclic temperature service, and foreign-object impact. Results are presented for the carbon-carbon material currently in use as the thermal-protection-system material on Space Shuttle, as well as for newer and more advanced structural forms of carbon-carbon composites.

Maahs, Howard G.↗

An isotopic study of biogeochemical relationships between carbonates and organic carbon in the Greenhorn Formation

Carbon-isotopic compositions of total carbonate, inoceramid carbonate, micritic carbonate, secondary cements, total organic carbon, and geoporphyrins have been measured in 76 different beds within a 17-m interval of a core through the Greenhorn Formation, an interbedded limestone and calcareous shale unit of Cretaceous age from the Western Interior Seaway of North America. Results are considered in terms of variations in the processes of primary production and in secondary processes. It is shown that the porphyrin isotopic record reflects primary isotopic variations more closely than the TOC isotopic record and that, in these sediments, TOC is enriched in C-13 relative to its primary precursor by 0.6 to 2.8 percent. This enrichment is attributed to isotope effects within the consumer foodweb and is associated with respiratory heterotrophy. Variation in this secondary enrichment are correlated with variations in the isotopic composition of marine carbonate.

Hayes, J. M.↗

Alkali metal carbon dioxide electrochemical system for energy storage and/or conversion of carbon dioxide to oxygen

An alkali metal, such as lithium, is the anodic reactant; carbon dioxide or a mixture of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide is the cathodic reactant; and carbonate of the alkali metal is the electrolyte in an electrochemical cell for the storage and delivery of electrical energy. Additionally, alkali metal-carbon dioxide battery systems include a plurality of such electrochemical cells. Gold is a preferred catalyst for reducing the carbon dioxide at the cathode. The fuel cell of the invention produces electrochemical energy through the use of an anodic reactant which is extremely energetic and light, and a cathodic reactant which can be extracted from its environment and therefore exacts no transportation penalty. The invention is, therefore, especially useful in extraterrestrial environments.

Hagedorn, Norman H.↗

The primary carbon and the formation of carbon species in terrestrial magmas

There is general agreement that primary carbon and redox state of mantle play an important role in the formation of carbon species in the terrestrial basalts as well as in the composition of gases, evacuated by these liquids to the upper layers of the Earth. It is expected, that interaction between native carbon and production of partial melting of the upper mantle : C(graphite,diamond) + O2(-) (melt) + O2 = CO3(2-) (melt) (1) leads to the formation of CO3(2-) (carbonate ion) in melt. Next mechanism, that may control the presence of free carbon and the formation of C-bearing components in magmas, is the carbon solubility in minerals under mantle conditions by participating in point defect equilibria.

Kadik, A.↗

The Carbon-Rich Dust Sequence: Infrared Spectral Classification of Carbon Stars

We have developed a classification system for the infrared spectral emission from carbon stars, using a sample of 96 bright carbon-rich variables associated with the asymptotic giant branch. In addition to the stellar contribution, most spectra include the 11.2 micron emission feature from SiC and either a smooth cool continuum from amorphous carbon or a secondary emission feature at 9.0 microns. We have identified a carbon-rich dust sequence along which the amorphous carbon component grows while the 9.0 micron feature declines in strength. Along this spectral sequence, the fraction of Miras increases, as does the period of variability, the mass-loss rate, and the thickness of the circumstellar shell. Thus the carbon-rich dust sequence appears to be an evolutionary sequence. One class of spectra shows a particularly strong 9.0 micron feature, Enhanced C/O ratio, and several other unusual properties that suggest a different sequence, perhaps related to J stars.

Solan, G. C.↗

Rationalizing Burned Carbon with Carbon Monoxide Exported from South America

We present several estimates cross-checking the fluxes of carbon to the atmosphere from burning, comparing models that are based on simple land-surface parameterizations and atmospheric transport dynamics. Both estimates made by NASA Ames and USP modeling techniques are quite high compared to some detailed satellite/land-use studies of emissions. The flux of carbon liberated to the atmosphere via biomass burning is important for several reasons. This flux is a fundamental statistic for the parameterization of the large-scale flux of gases controlling the reactive greenhouse gases methane and ozone. Similarly, it is central to the estimation of the translocation of nitrogen and pyrodenitrification in the tropics. Thirdly, CO2 emitted from rainforest clearing contributes directly to carbon lost from the rainforest system as it contributes to greenhouse gas forcing. While CO2 from pasturage, agriculture, etc, is considered to be reabsorbed seasonally, and so "off budget" for the carbon cycle, it must also be accounted. CO2 anomalies related to daily weather and interannual climatic variation are strong enough to perturb our scientific perception of long-term carbon storage trends. We compare fluxes deduced from land-use statistics (originally, W.M. Hao) and from satellite hot pixels (A. Setzer) with atmospheric fluxes determined by the mesoscale/continental scale models RAMS and MM5, and point to some new work with highly resolved global models (the NASA Data Assimilation Office's GEOS4). Our simulations are tied to events, so that measured tracers like CO tie the models directly to the burning and meteorology of a specific period. We point out a particular sensitivity in estimates based on CO, and indicate how analysis of CO2 along with other biomass-burning tracers may lead to an improved multi-species estimator of carbon burned.

Chatfield, R.↗