Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “fracture characterization”

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 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Bulk nanocrystalline Al–Mg–Y alloys with amorphous grain boundary complexions display high strength and compressive plasticity

Although nanocrystalline alloys regularly exhibit high strengths, their use in structural applications often face challenges due to sample size limitations, unstable microstructures, and the limited ability to plastically deform. The incorporation of amorphous grain boundary complexions has been proposed to address these issues, by simultaneously stabilizing nanocrystalline grain structures for scale-up processing and improving alloy toughness. In the present study, the mechanical behavior of bulk nanocrystalline Al–Mg–Y is examined with macroscale compression testing, probing a length scale that is relevant to real-world structural applications. Bulk samples were fabricated via a simple powder metallurgy approach, with different hot-pressing temperatures and durations employed for consolidation in order to investigate microstructural and property evolution. All of the specimens contained primary face-centered cubic Al and secondary Al 4 C 3 and Al 3 Y phases, with the Al 3 Y particles exhibiting two populations of small equiaxed and larger elongated particles. Appreciable plasticity was measured along with high ultimate stresses over 800 MPa due to the presence of amorphous grain boundary complexions. Microstructural characterization of fracture surfaces revealed that the area fraction of dimpled regions increased with longer hot-pressing time. Most importantly, the elongated Al 3 Y particles formed regular cellular patterns with increasing hot-pressing time, delaying shear localization and significantly enhancing plasticity. The hierarchy present in the microstructure of the Al–Mg–Y alloy, from amorphous grain boundary complexions to secondary phases, gives rise to excellent bulk mechanical properties, which are attractive for structural applications.

Bulk nanocrystalline alloy↗
DOE OSTI2020

Environmental influence on cracking and debonding of electrically conductive adhesives

Electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs) are starting to replace metallic solders in recent designs of photovoltaic (PV) modules. This transition represents a significant material change, and a proper understanding of the durability and reliability of the new interconnect needs to be established. This paper presents our continued work on developing a degradation model for ECA interconnects in PV modules. Here, we characterize the fracture mechanics properties of an epoxy-based ECA, for both critical and subcritical, mode I and mode II loading conditions. Emphasis is on the influence of different environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. We use the Finite Element Method to account for residual stresses, induced by temperature changes and moisture absorption, and correct the apparent fracture toughness. We found that high moisture levels not only can weaken the fracture resistance of the ECA interconnect, but can also promote subcritical debonding at significantly lower driving forces than in dry environments.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Experiment design for the neutron irradiation of $\mathrm{PM-HIP}$ alloys for nuclear reactors

Here, this article describes the design of an Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) drop-in neutron irradiation experiment aiming to directly compare the performance of nuclear structural alloys fabricated by powder metallurgy with hot isostatic pressing (PM-HIP) against conventional casting or forging. There is growing interest in PM-HIP alloys for nuclear applications because of their microstructural uniformity, superior mechanical properties, and reduced dependence on welding and machining, compared to cast/forged alloys. Nuclear code-qualification of PM-HIP alloys requires neutron irradiation testing to demonstrate performance under relevant conditions. In this experiment, six nuclear structural alloys were irradiated: Ni-based alloys 625 and 690, Grade 91 ferritic steel, SA508 pressure vessel steel, and 304L and 316L austenitic stainless steels. The experiment is assembled into seven capsules in four test trains and irradiated in three ATR inboard A positions. Both the PM-HIP and cast/forged versions of each alloy were irradiated under nearly identical conditions for comparative purposes, to target doses of 1 ± 0.2 and 3 ± 0.2 dpa at temperatures of 300 ± 50 °C and 400 ± 50 °C. A thorough description of the experiment design and thermal, structural and neutronic analyses performed to ensure the targeted irradiation conditions are met is provided. Specimens were configured as small disks, compact tension specimens and tensile bars to facilitate post-irradiation examination (PIE) that will include mechanical testing, microstructure characterization, and fracture toughness testing. Given the considerations for ASTM standardized mechanical testing, comparative fluence and temperature across specimen pairs, and comprehensive PIE planning herein, this work serves as a template for future nuclear materials qualification experiment designs.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Impact Response of Cold Spray Deposited Materials

Solid-state cold spraying (CS) of metals and respective blends is becoming increasingly attractive compared to conventional high temperature processes due to the unique properties such as increased yield strength, low ductility, and differences in tensile and compressive strengths that result from microstructural features due to the CS process. Here we report the results of plate impact experiments applied to CS deposits of tantalum (Ta), niobium (Nb), and a tantalum- niobium blend (TaNb). These methods allowed for definition of the Hugoniot for each material type and allowed for assessment of the Hugoniot Elastic Limit (HEL). Scanning electron microscopy was used on recovered samples to characterize the fracture mechanism during spallation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Potential Formation Damage: An Integrated Reservoir Characterization Study of the Naturally Fractured Carbonate Middle Duperow Formation at the Kevin Dome, Montana

In this study, we integrate geologic and engineering data of a naturally fractured carbonate reservoir at the Kevin Dome, Montana. Well test data are correlated with core description, geochemical and lithology study to determine the flow behavior and communication within the injection test interval and to the surrounding area. Based on a dual-continuum geologic model, numerical brine injection simulations are carried out to validate the interpretation results from our well test analytical models and forecast the probability of CO 2 injection success using current reservoir properties. As a result, our well test analytical models as well as lithology/core description suggest that fluid flow may be mainly restricted to the injection interval and the assumption of radial (horizontal) flow may be appropriate. The well test models also indicate that there is potentially formation damage with a positive skin factor although prior to brine injection well tests, well stimulation through acid treatment was performed. Our numerical simulation results appear to confirm this formation damage by showing additional pressure buildup in the injection data during later test periods. To explain this, acid may have dissolved dolomite then dolomite or calcite may have been formed again further into the matrix/fracture system. Another possible explanation is mechanical clogging of the fractures due to acid dissolving dolomite and dislodging fine grains. Our work also predicts that if no additional well stimulation is performed, the project will have a lower probability of successfully injecting 1 million tons of CO 2 into the Middle Duperow formation over 4 years.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Impact Response of Control Atmosphere Plasma Spray Deposited Materials

Thermal spray processing of metals and respective blends is becoming increasingly attractive due to the unique properties such as increased yield strength, low ductility, and differences in tensile and compressive strengths that result from microstructural features due to the spray process compared to other additive manufacturing methods. Here we report the results of plate impact experiments applied to Controlled Atmosphere Plasma Spray deposits of tantalum (Ta), niobium (Nb), and a tantalum-niobium blend (TaNb). These methods allowed for definition of the Hugoniot for each material type and the assessment of the Hugoniot Elastic Limit (HEL). Spallation experiments were conducted, and soft recovery of each material type allowed for scanning electron microscopy to characterize the fracture mechanism during tensile loading.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1985

Interaction of mixed mode loading on cyclic debonding in adhesively bonded composite joints

A combined experimental and analytical investigation of an adhesively-bonded composite joint was conducted to characterize the fracture mode dependence of cyclic debonding. The system studied consisted of graphite/epoxy adherends bonded with EC 3445 adhesive. Several types of specimens are tested which provide the cyclic debond growth rate measurements under various load conditions: mode 1, mixed mode 1 to 2, and mostly mode 2. This study shows that the total strain-energy-release rate is the governing factor for cyclic debonding.

Mall, S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Adhesive evaluation of thin films of LARC-TPI and LARC-TPI with 5 mol % ODA

A commercially available LARC-TPI film and an experimentally prepared film of LARC-TPI with 5 mol % of 4,4'-oxydianiline (ODA), designated as LARC-TPI/ODA in the report, supplied by Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Incorporated (MTCI), Japan, were evaluated as thermoplastic adhesive films for bonding Ti-6Al-4V. The LARC-TPI/ODA had been shown by MTCI to possess more flow than thermoplastic LARC-TPI and was, therefore, evaluated and compared to the LARC-TPI. Lap shear strength was used to evaluate the materials as adhesives. They were characterized after fracture by determining the glass transition temperature, Tg. The mode of failure was also reported. Thermal exposure at 204C for 500 and 1000 hrs and a 72-hour water-boil were conducted on lap shear specimens prepared with the two adhesive films. Lap shear tests were conducted at RT, 177C, 204C, and 232C before and after exposures.

Progar, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Interaction of mixed mode loading on cyclic debonding in adhesively bonded composite joints

A combined experimental and analytical investigation of an adhesively-bonded composite joint was conducted to characterize the fracture mode dependence of cyclic debonding. The system studied consisted of graphite/epoxy adherends bonded with EC 3445 adhesive. Several types of specimens are tested which provide the cyclic debond growth rate measurements under various load conditions: mode 1, mixed mode 1 to 2, and mostly mode 2. This study shows that the total strain-energy-release rate is the governing factor for cyclic debonding.

Mall, S.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Adhesive evaluation of water-soluble LARC-TPI

The water-soluble polyimide, identified as TPI(MTC)/H2O, was evaluated as a high temperature thermoplastic adhesive for bonding Ti-6Al-4V and comparing those results primarily with results reported in earlier work with the polyamic-acid/diglyme material. The lap shear strength test was the primary test performed to evaluate the adhesive before (controls) and after thermal exposure in air at 204 C for up to 5000 hours and after a 72 hour water-boil exposure. Lap shear strengths were determined at RT, 177, 204, and 232 C. The adhesive was also characterized after fracture by determining the glass transition temperature as well as defining the mode of failure by visual observation. In general, the results indicate that the TPI(MTC)/H2O retains high lap shear strengths after thermal exposure but had reduced strengths after the water-boil exposure. All failures were cohesive. The TPI(MTC)/H2O compared very well with previous data reported for the standard polyamic-acid/diglyme LARC-TPI results, and therefore, shows promise as a water-soluble adhesive for use in various applications.

Progar, Donald J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Evaluation of polyimide films as adhesives

A commercially available LARC-TPI film and an experimentally prepared film of LARC-TPI with 5 mol pct of 4,4-prime-oxydianiline (ODA), designated as LARC-TPI/ODA, were evaluated as thermoplastic adhesive films for bonding Ti-6Al-4V. Lap shear strength was used to evaluate the materials as adhesives. They were characterized after fracture by determining the glass transition temperature, T(g). The mode of failure is also reported. Thermal exposure at 240 C for 500 and 1000 h and a 72-h water-boil were conducted on lap shear specimens prepared with the two adhesive films. Lap shear tests were conducted at room temperature, 177 C, 204 C, and 232 C before and after exposures.

Progar, Donald J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Adhesive evaluation of water-soluble LARC-TPI

The water-soluble polyimide, identified as TPI(MTC)/H2O, was evaluated as a high temperature thermoplastic adhesive for bonding Ti-6Al-4V and comparing those results primarily with results reported in earlier work with the polyamic-acid/diglyme material. The lap shear strength test was the primary test performed to evaluate the adhesive before (controls) and after thermal exposure in air at 204 C for up to 5000 hours and after a 72 hour water-boil exposure. Lap shear strengths were determined at RT, 177, 204, and 232 C. The adhesive was also characterized after fracture by determining the glass transition temperature as well as defining the mode of failure by visual observation. In general, the results indicate that the TPI(MTC)/H2O retains high lap shear strengths after thermal exposure but had reduced strengths after the water-boil exposure. All failures were cohesive. The TPI(MTC)/H2O compared very well with previous data reported for the standard polyamic-acid/diglyme LARC-TPI results, and therefore, shows promise as a water-soluble adhesive for use in various applications.

Progar, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Effect of finite width on deflection and energy release rate of an orthotropic double cantilever specimen

The problem of an orthotropic cantilevered plate subjected to a uniformly distributed end load is solved by the Rayleigh-Ritz energy method. The result is applied to laminated composite, double cantilevered specimens to estimate the effect of crack tip constraint on the transverse curvature, deflection and energy release rate. The solution is also utilized to determined finite width correction factors for fracture energy characterization tests in which neither plane stress nor plane strain conditions apply.

Schapery, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Tension fatigue analysis and life prediction for composite laminates

A methodology is presented for the tension fatigue analysis and life prediction of composite laminates subjected to tension fatigue loading. The methodology incorporates both the generic fracture mechanics characterization of delamination and the assessment of the infuence of damage on laminate fatigue life. Tension fatigue tests were conducted on quasi-isotropic and orthotropic glass epoxy, graphite epoxy, and glass/graphite epoxy hybrid laminates, demonstrating good agreement between measured and predicted lives.

O'Brien, T. K.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Dynamic stress intensity factors of brittle materials

A new hybrid experimental-numerical procedure was used to characterize dynamic fracture response of structural ceramics at elevated temperature. The dynamic stress intensity factor (SIF) versus crack velocity relations of glass and reaction bonded silicon nitride (RBSN), are reviewed. The dynamic SIF versus crack velocity relations of alumina, TiB2-particulate/SiC-matrix composite and SiCw/Alumina-matrix composite are also presented. Available data indicated that dynamic arrest SIF was not observed in glass and monolithic ceramics, and suggested that further studies be conducted to resolve the existence or lack of existence of a dynamic arrest SIF in ceramic matrix composites.

Kobayashi, Albert S.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Investigation of the effect of thermal exposure on the mechanical properties of titanium/SiC composites

The objective was to evaluate the influence of thermal exposure, both isothermal and cyclic, on the reaction kinetics, mechanical properties and fracture behavior of Ti-1100 alloy/SiC fiber composites. Previously, it was determined that composites made with TiB2 coated SiC fiber (sigma) reacted at the same rate as SCS-6 fibers. As a result, the thinner surface coating on the Sigma fiber was completely consumed at shorter times than that on the SCS-6. Thermal cycling experiments were conducted on longitudinal and transverse Ti-1100/SCS-6 composites over a temperature range of 150 to 800 C for 500 cycles. The thermal exposures were carried out in air and argon. No appreciable tensile strength degradation was observed for samples cycled in argon, although a strength loss was noted for the samples cycled in air. Fracture surfaces characterization showed brittle matrix failure in regions near the surface and in regions where there was a path for O2 ingress.

Gundel, Douglas B.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Determination of stress intensity factors for interface cracks under mixed-mode loading

A simple technique was developed using conventional finite element analysis to determine stress intensity factors, K1 and K2, for interface cracks under mixed-mode loading. This technique involves the calculation of crack tip stresses using non-singular finite elements. These stresses are then combined and used in a linear regression procedure to calculate K1 and K2. The technique was demonstrated by calculating three different bimaterial combinations. For the normal loading case, the K's were within 2.6 percent of an exact solution. The normalized K's under shear loading were shown to be related to the normalized K's under normal loading. Based on these relations, a simple equation was derived for calculating K1 and K2 for mixed-mode loading from knowledge of the K's under normal loading. The equation was verified by computing the K's for a mixed-mode case with equal and normal shear loading. The correlation between exact and finite element solutions is within 3.7 percent. This study provides a simple procedure to compute K2/K1 ratio which has been used to characterize the stress state at the crack tip for various combinations of materials and loadings. Tests conducted over a range of K2/K1 ratios could be used to fully characterize interface fracture toughness.

Naik, Rajiv A.↗