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At least 1,171 records · Page 65

TPSAS-NF1676L-32227-DND

The ability of a recently proposed cohesive fatigue model to predict the initiation and propagation of skin/stiffener separation was evaluated using a three-point bend (3PB) configuration. The 3PB specimen consists of a quasi-isotropic laminate representing the skin of a fuselage. A shorter doubler representing the flange of a stiffener is co-cured at the center of the specimen. A simplified modeling technique was applied, in which the complex damage mechanisms involved in the separation, such as delamination migration, matrix cracking, bridging, and crack delving are represented by a mixed-mode trilinear cohesive law at the interface between the skin and the doubler. The quasi-static properties of the trilinear law were characterized. The main advantage of the proposed fatigue model is that it relies on quasi-static properties as well as engineering assumptions to compose the shape of the S-N diagram. The model does not require Paris law data, and it is capable of predicting the initiation of separation, the rate of propagation, as well as the effects of crack resistance curves and the stress ratio.

Carlos G Davila↗

Jet Penetration into a Scaled Microfabricated Stirling Cycle Regenerator

The cooler and heater adjacent to the regenerator of a Stirling cycle engine have tubes or channels which form jets that pass into the regenerator while diffusing within the matrix. An inactive part of the matrix, beyond the cores of these jets, does not participate fully in the heat transfer between the flow of working fluid and the regenerator matrix material, weakening the regenerator s ability to exchange heat with the working fluid. The objective of the present program is to document this effect on the performance of the regenerator and to develop a model for generalizing the results. However, the small scales of actual Stirling regenerator matrices (on the order of tens of microns) make direct measurements of this effect very difficult. As a result, jet spreading within a regenerator matrix has not been characterized well and is poorly understood. Also, modeling is lacking experimental verification. To address this, a large-scale mockup of thirty times actual scale was constructed and operated under conditions that are dynamically similar to the engine operation. Jet penetration with round jets and slot jets into the microfabricated regenerator geometry are then measured by conventional means. The results are compared with those from a study of spreading of round jets within woven screen regenerator for further documentation of the comparative performance of the microfabricated regenerator geometry.

Sun, Liyong↗

Simulation of Delamination-Migration and Core Crushing in a CFRP Sandwich Structure

Following the onset of damage caused by an impact load on a composite laminate structure, delaminations often form propagating outwards from the point of impact and in some cases can migrate via matrix cracks between plies as they grow. The goal of the present study is to develop an accurate finite element modeling technique for simulation of the delamination-migration phenomena in laminate impact damage processes. An experiment was devised where, under a quasi-static indentation load, an embedded delamination in the facesheet of a laminate sandwich specimen migrates via a transverse matrix crack and then continues to grow on a new ply interface. The quasistatic nature of the indentation results in structural behavior equivalent to that seen in low-velocity impact and also allows for highly detailed real time damage characterization. Several finite element damage simulation methods were investigated. Comparing the experimental results with those of the different models reveals certain modeling features that are important to include in a numerical simulation of delamination-migration and some that may be neglected.

McElroy, M.↗

Reduced Uncertainties in the Flutter Analysis of the Aerostructures Test Wing

Tuning the finite element model using measured data to minimize the model uncertainties is a challenging task in the area of structural dynamics. A test validated finite element model can provide a reliable flutter analysis to define the flutter placard speed to which the aircraft can be flown prior to flight flutter testing. Minimizing the difference between numerical and experimental results is a type of optimization problem. Through the use of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Dryden Flight Research Center's (Edwards, California) multidisciplinary design, analysis, and optimization tool to optimize the objective function and constraints; the mass properties, the natural frequencies, and the mode shapes are matched to the target data, and the mass matrix orthogonality is retained. The approach in this study has been applied to minimize the model uncertainties for the structural dynamic model of the aerostructures test wing, which was designed, built, and tested at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Dryden Flight Research Center. A 25 percent change in flutter speed has been shown after reducing the uncertainties.

Pak, Chan-Gi↗

High Temperature Tensile Properties of Unidirectional Hi-Nicalon/Celsian Composites In Air

High temperature tensile properties of unidirectional BN/SiC-coated Hi-Nicalon SiC fiber reinforced celsian matrix composites have been measured from room temperature to 1200 C (2190 F) in air. Young's modulus, the first matrix cracking stress, and the ultimate strength decreased from room temperature to 1200 C (2190 F). The applicability of various micromechanical models, in predicting room temperature values of various mechanical properties for this CMC, has also been investigated. The simple rule of mixtures produced an accurate estimate of the primary composite modulus. The first matrix cracking stress estimated from ACK theory was in good agreement with the experimental value. The modified fiber bundle failure theory of Evans gave a good estimate of the ultimate strength.

Gyekenyesi, John Z.↗

Reduced Uncertainties in the Flutter Analysis of the Aerostructures Test Wing

Tuning the finite element model using measured data to minimize the model uncertainties is a challenging task in the area of structural dynamics. A test validated finite element model can provide a reliable flutter analysis to define the flutter placard speed to which the aircraft can be flown prior to flight flutter testing. Minimizing the difference between numerical and experimental results is a type of optimization problem. Through the use of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Dryden Flight Research Center s (Edwards, California, USA) multidisciplinary design, analysis, and optimization tool to optimize the objective function and constraints; the mass properties, the natural frequencies, and the mode shapes are matched to the target data and the mass matrix orthogonality is retained. The approach in this study has been applied to minimize the model uncertainties for the structural dynamic model of the aerostructures test wing, which was designed, built, and tested at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Dryden Flight Research Center. A 25-percent change in flutter speed has been shown after reducing the uncertainties

Pak, Chan-gi↗

Sudbury project (University of Muenster-Ontario Geological Survey): Sr-Nd in heterolithic breccias and gabbroic dikes

One major objective of our Sudbury project was to define origin and age of the huge breccia units below and above the Sudbury Igneous Complex (SIC). The heterolithic Footwall Breccia (FB) represents a part of the uplifted crater floor. It contains subrounded fragments up to several meters in size and lithic fragments with shock features (greater than 10 GPa) embedded into a fine- to medium-grained matrix. Epsilon(sub Nd)-epsilon(sub Sr) relationships point to almost exclusively parautochthonous precursor lithologies. The different textures of the matrix reflect the metamorphic history of the breccia layer; thermal annealing by the overlying hot impact melt sheet (SIC) at temperatures greater than 1000 C resulted in melting of the fine crushed material, followed by an episode of metasomatic K-feldspar growth and, finally, formation of low-grade minerals such as actinolite and chlorite. Isotope relationships in the Onaping breccias (Gray and Green Member) are much more complex. All attempts to date the breccia formation failed: Zircons are entirely derived from country rocks and lack the pronounced Pb loss caused by the heat of the slowly cooling impact melt sheet (SIC). Rb-Sr techniques using either lithic fragments of different shock stages or the thin slab method, set time limits for the apparently pervasive alkali mobility in these suevitic breccias. The data array and the intercept in the plots point to a major Rb-Sr fractionation around 1.54 Ga ago. This model age is in the same range as the age obtained for the metasomatic matrix of the FB. Rb-Sr dating of a shock event in impact-related breccias seems to be possible only if their matrix had suffered total melting by the hot melt sheet (FB) or if they contain a high fraction of impact melt (suevitic Onaping breccias), whereas the degree of shock metamorphism in rock or lithic fragments plays a minor role. In the Sudbury case, however, the impact melt in the seuvitic breccias is devitrified and recrystallized, which changed Rb/Sr ratios quite drastically. Therefore, the Onaping breccias give only age limits for alteration and low-grade metamorphism. The Sm-Nd system was not reset during the Sudbury event; clasts as well as the matrix in the FB and in the Onaping breccias show preimpact 'Archean' Nd isotope signatures.

Buhl, D.↗

Modeling the Effective Elasticity of Anisotropic Porous Materials

The development and optimization of composite materials designed for thermal protection of NASA’s spacecraft require understanding their physical response to high-enthalpy environments. To predict their macro-scale properties and behavior, high-fidelity 3D simulations are performed at the microscale on realistic representations of these composites. The digital microstructures are generated either synthetically or through X-ray micro-computed tomography reconstructions. One of the main challenges in the prediction of the structural response of heatshield materials is the computation of the effective elasticity of the fibrous composite, as well as the understanding of the deformation and stresses generated at the microscale. These are driven by the fiber layout within the microstructure and the distribution of the infused matrix. In this effort, the micro-mechanical linear elastic behavior of fibrous ablators is modeled using a numerical method based on the Multi-Point Stress Approximation (MPSA) finite volume scheme, a generalization of the more commonly used Multi-Point Flux Approximation (MPFA) that was presented at the 10th Ablation Workshop. To predict the behavior of fibrous and woven architectures, algorithms that compute the local fiber orientation are used. The implementation of the MPSA was verified using analytical solutions, engineering test cases, and compared against legacy Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software. The stress analysis models were then applied to real geometries used by NASA in thermal protection systems such as fibrous preforms and woven materials and the results were compared to experimental data.

Elasticity↗

The effect of nonsymmetric pressure stiffness on the dynamic characteristics of Solid Rocket Motors

This paper discusses the effect of pressure on the dynamics of pre-stiffened structures such as the Advanced Solid Rocket Motor (ASRM). Previous work in which the stiffness terms resulting from constant pressure were derived has been extended to enable modeling of nonconstant pressure applied over nonenclosed volumes. These conditions will result in nonsymmetric terms in the global stiffness matrix which will not cancel out. Three new pressure stiffness elements incorporating these nonsymmetric terms have been implemented as dummy elements in COSMIC NASTRAN and have been tested on various simple examples as well as an existing ASRM NASTRAN finite element model. The results indicate that for all load cases of practical interest to the ASRM program, the nonsymmetric terms have very little effect on the dynamic characteristics. In addition, the pressure stiffness elements developed in the previous work which assumed constant pressure gave virtually the same results as the new elements even for problems in which the pressures are not constant. The original elements appear to work well as long as the pressure gradient across any individual element is no larger than about 0.75 psi/inch. The new elements are therefore most useful for determining the conditions under which the original pressure stiffness elements can be used.

Christensen, Eric R.↗

Development of an image converter of radical design

A long term investigation of thin film sensors, monolithic photo-field effect transistors, and epitaxially diffused phototransistors and photodiodes to meet requirements to produce acceptable all solid state, electronically scanned imaging system, led to the production of an advanced engineering model camera which employs a 200,000 element phototransistor array (organized in a matrix of 400 rows by 500 columns) to secure resolution comparable to commercial television. The full investigation is described for the period July 1962 through July 1972, and covers the following broad topics in detail: (1) sensor monoliths; (2) fabrication technology; (3) functional theory; (4) system methodology; and (5) deployment profile. A summary of the work and conclusions are given, along with extensive schematic diagrams of the final solid state imaging system product.

Irwin, E. L.↗

X-ray method shows fibers fail during fatigue of boron-epoxy laminates

A method proposed for studying progressive fiber fracture in boron-epoxy laminates during fatigue tests is described. It is based on the intensity of X-ray absorption of the tungsten core in the boron filaments as contrasted with that of the boron and epoxy matrix. When the laminate is X-rayed, the image of the tungsten in the born filaments is recorded on a photographic plate. Breaks in the boron laminates can be easily identified by magnifying the photographic plates. The method is suitable for studying broken boron filaments in most matrix materials, and may supply key information for developing realistic fatigue and fracture models.

Roderick, G. L.↗

Simulation of aircraft crash and its validation

A joint FAA/NASA program is discussed which is aimed at developing a reliable technology for the design of crashworthy light aircraft. This program encompasses the development of analytical methods, the definition of a survivable crash envelope, and the design of improved seat and restraint systems. A facility for full-scale crash-simulation testing is described along with the test method and results of five full-scale crash tests of twin-engine light aircraft. The major goals of the analytical portion of the program are outlined, including the development and validation of the analytical technique using simplified structural specimens that approximate aircraft components, as well as the mathematical modeling of the complete airframe and its subsequent dynamic analysis by substructuring and matrix reduction techniques.

Alfaro-Bou, E.↗

Magma production and migration within the moon

Partial melting is likely to have occurred throughout much of the moon due to heating during accretion and the volumetric heating of radioactive isotopes. Important problems that have received relatively little attention concern the migration of the resulting magmas to form surface or near surface volcanic rock. In the paper the basic mechanism for the migration of the magma through the lunar asthenosphere is considered. A porous flow model is proposed. The magma behaves like a liquid flowing through a porous matrix. The volume fraction of liquid present determines the saturated porosity. The differential buoyancy of the magma drives it upwards. It is shown that the per cent partial melt in the lunar interior will only slightly exceed that required to provide interconnecting porosity. Assuming that the radioactive isotopes are preferentially segregated into the magma, the time dependence of the partial melting of the lunar interior is found. It is shown that the total degree of partial melting of the deep lunar interior is likely to be between five and ten per cent.

Turcotte, D. L.↗

Genesis of highland basalt breccias - A view from 66095

Electron microprobe and defocused beam analyses of the lunar highland breccia sample 66095 show it consists of a fine-grained subophitic matrix containing a variety of mineral and lithic clasts, such as intergranular and cataclastic ANT, shocked and unshocked plagioclase, and basalts. Consideration of the chemistries of both matrix and clasts provides a basis for a qualitative three-component mixing model consisting of an ANT plutonic complex, a Fra Mauro basalt, and minor meteoric material.

Garrison, J. R., Jr.↗

Method of tracing contour patterns for use in making gradual contour resin matrix composites

The invention relates to methods for making alminate patterns for a resin matrix composite structural component. A sheet of paper is temporarily adhered to a model of the structrual component. A pen is positioned on the paper with a spindle touching the model surface opposite the pen. The pen and spindle are moved along the path that maintains the aforementioned contacts. The resulting line traced on paper is a model constant-thickness locus and provides a pattern for a single lamination of resin-impregnated fabric. The steps are repeated to make other patterns and each time the steps are repeated the distance between the tracer and the spindle is changed to correspond to the thickness of a lamination.

Fontes, M. J.↗

A generalized analysis of dual-polarization radar measurements of rain

In the study of meteorological phenomena by radar, it has been shown that dual-polarization radar measurements can yield useful data about precipitation structures within the radar beam. The techniques available for dual-polarized radar measurement are differential reflectivity, or Z(DR), linear depolarization ratio (LDR), and circular depolarization ratio (CDR). This paper presents a theoretical analysis of backscattering from a volume filled with raindrops using Rayleigh scattering theory. A generalized radar equation is given in matrix form, and the dependence of backscatter measurements in terms of a rainstorm model including raindrop shape, size, and canting angle is examined. Calculated results which show the dependence of Z(DR) on beam elevation angle and polarization angle are presented. Some results for LDR and CDR are presented, showing how these quantities depend on raindrop parameters.

Stapor, D. P.↗

Trace elements in rims and interiors of Chainpur chondrules

Trace elements were measured in the rims and interiors of nine chondrules separated from the Chainpur LL-3 chondrite. Whole rock samples of Chainpur and samples of separated rims were also measured. Chondrule rims are moderately enriched in siderophile and volatile elements relative to the chondrule interiors. The enriched volatile elements include the lithophilic volatile element Zn. The moderate enrichment of volatiles in chondrule rims and the lack of severe depletion in chondrules can account for the complete volatile inventory in Chainpur. These results support a three-component model of chondrite formation in which metal plus sulfide, chondrules plus rims and matrix silicates are mixed to form chondrites.

Wilkening, L. L.↗

Automated dynamic analytical model improvement for damped structures

A method is described to improve a linear nonproportionally damped analytical model of a structure. The procedure finds the smallest changes in the analytical model such that the improved model matches the measured modal parameters. Features of the method are: (1) ability to properly treat complex valued modal parameters of a damped system; (2) applicability to realistically large structural models; and (3) computationally efficiency without involving eigensolutions and inversion of a large matrix.

Fuh, J. S.↗