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At least 127 records · Page 7

Time domain simulation of the response of geometrically nonlinear panels subjected to random loading

The response of composite panels subjected to random pressure loads large enough to cause geometrically nonlinear responses is studied. A time domain simulation is employed to solve the equations of motion. An adaptive time stepping algorithm is employed to minimize intermittent transients. A modified algorithm for the prediction of response spectral density is presented which predicts smooth spectral peaks for discrete time histories. Results are presented for a number of input pressure levels and damping coefficients. Response distributions are calculated and compared with the analytical solution of the Fokker-Planck equations. RMS response is reported as a function of input pressure level and damping coefficient. Spectral densities are calculated for a number of examples.

Moyer, E. Thomas, Jr.↗

Strain measurements in composite bolted-joint specimens

Strain data from a series of bolted joint tests is presented. Double lap, double hole, double lap, single hole, and open hole tensile specimens were tested and the strain gage locations, load strain responses, and load axial displacement responses are presented. The open hole specimens were gaged to determine strain concentration factors. The double lap, double hole specimens were gaged to determine the uniformity of the strain in the joint and the amount of load transferred past the first bolt. The measurements indicated roughly half the load passed the first bolt to be reacted by the second bolt.

Hyer, M. W.↗

Aeroelastic response and blade loads of a composite rotor in forward flight

The aeroelastic response, blade and hub loads, and shaft-fixed aeroelastic stability is investigated for a helicopter with elastically tailored composite rotor blades. A new finite element based structural analysis including nonclassical effects such as transverse shear, torsion related warping and inplane elasticity is integrated with the University of Maryland Advanced Rotorcraft Code. The structural dynamics analysis is correlated against both experimental data and detailed finite element results. Correlation of rotating natural frequencies of coupled composite box-beams is generally within 5-10 percent. The analysis is applied to a soft-inplane hingeless rotor helicopter in free flight propulsive trim. For example, lag mode damping can be increased 300 percent over a range of thrust conditions and forward speeds. The influence of unsteady aerodynamics on the blade response and vibratory hub loads is also investigated. The magnitude and phase of the flap response is substantially altered by the unsteady aerodynamic effects. Vibratory hub loads increase up to 30 percent due to unsteady aerodynamic effects.

Smith, Edward C.↗

Characteristics pertaining to a stiffness cross-coupled Jeffcott model

Rotordynamic studies of complex systems utilizing multiple degree-of-freedom analysis have been performed to understand response, loads, and stability. In order to understand the fundamental nature of rotordynamic response, the Jeffcott rotor model has received wide attention. The purpose of this paper is to provide a generic rotordynamic analysis of a stiffness cross-coupled Jeffcott rotor model to illustrate characteristics of a second order stiffness-coupled linear system. The particular characteristics investigated were forced response, force vector diagrams, response orbits, and stability. Numerical results were achieved through a fourth order Runge-Kutta method for solving differential equations and the Routh Hurwitz stability criterion. The numerical results were verified to an exact mathematical solution for the steady state response.

Spanyer, K. L.↗

An experimental and analytical investigation on the response of GR/EP composite I-frames

Six-foot diameter, semicircular graphite/epoxy specimens representative of generic aircraft frames were loaded quasi-statically to determine their load response and failure mechanisms for large deflections that occur in an airplane crash. These frame-skin specimens consisted of a cylindrical skin section cocured with a semicircular I-frame. Various frame laminate stacking sequences and geometries were evaluated by statically loading the specimen until multiple failures occurred. Two analytical methods were compared for modeling the frame-skin specimens: a two-dimensional branched-shell finite element analysis and a one-dimensional, closed-form, curved beam solution derived using an energy method. Excellent correlation was obtained between experimental results and the finite element predictions of the linear response of the frames prior to the initial failure. The beam solution was used for rapid parameter and design studies, and was found to be stiff in comparison with the finite element analysis. The specimens were found to be useful for evaluating composite frame designs.

Moas, E., Jr.↗

An analytical and experimental investigation of the response of the curved, composite frame/skin specimens

Six-foot diameter, semicircular graphite/epoxy specimens representative of generic aircraft frames were loaded quasi-statistically to determine their load response and failure mechanisms for large deflections that occur in airplanes crashes. These frame/skin specimens consisted of a cylindrical skin section co-cured with a semicircular I-frame. The skin provided the necessary lateral stiffness to keep deformations in the plane of the frame in order to realistically represent deformations as they occur in actual fuselage structures. Various frame laminate stacking sequences and geometries were evaluated by statically loading the specimen until multiple failures occurred. Two analytical methods were compared for modeling the frame/skin specimens: a two-dimensional shell finite element analysis and a one-dimensional, closed-form, curved beam solution derived using an energy method. Flange effectivities were included in the beam analysis to account for the curling phenomenon that occurs in thin flanges of curved beams. Good correlation was obtained between experimental results and the analytical predictions of the linear response of the frames prior to the initial failure. The specimens were found to be useful for evaluating composite frame designs.

Moas, Eduardo↗

Calculating frequency at loads in simulations of electro-mechanical transients

This paper introduces a new method for calculating frequency at an electrical load in simulations of electro-mechanical transients. The method is designed for simulation studies that require accurate models of sensors such as phasor measurement units and F-Net devices, which measure frequency at locations away from generating plants. These sensors are poised to become critical components in the control systems of electrical power grids, and therefore simulation tools that incorporate accurate models of these devices are essential. The method proposed here corrects two drawbacks of using numerically computed phase angle derivatives to approximate frequency. First, it eliminates spurious spikes in frequencies calculated at loads. Second, it eliminates instabilities induced by the simulator in studies of frequency responsive loads. The proposed method is derived from a simplified model of the generators and loads in an electrical system, but in the final analysis does not depend critically on these simplifications and is therefore applicable to more sophisticated models. The method is demonstrated with the simplified model applied to the IEEE 14 and 300 bus systems.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Aircraft subfloor response to crash loadings

Results are presented of an experimental and analytical study of the dynamic response to crash loadings of five different load-limiting subfloors for general aviation aircraft. These subfloors provide a high-strength structural floor platform to retain the seats and a crushable zone to absorb energy and limit vertical loads. Experimental static load-deflection data and dynamic deceleration response data for the five subfloors indicated that the high-strength floor platform performed well in that structural integrity and residual strength was maintained throughout the loading cycle. The data also indicated that some of the subfloor crush zones were more effective than others in providing nearly constant load for a range of displacement. The analytical data was generated by characterizing the nonlinear crush zones of the subfloor with static load-deflection data and using the DYCAST nonlinear finite element computer program. Comparisons between experimental and analytical data showed good correlation for the subfloors in which the static deformation mode closely approximated the dynamic deformation mode.

Carden, H. D.↗

Effects of subcritical crack growth on fracture toughness of ceramics assessed in chevron-notched three-point bend tests

A numerical computational study was carried out to assess the effects of subcritical crack growth on crack stability in the chevron-notched three-point bend specimens. A power-law relationship between the subcritical crack velocity and the applied stress intensity were used along with compliance and stress-intensity relationships for the chevron-notched bend specimen to calculate the load response under fixed deflection rate and a machine compliance. The results indicate that the maximum load during the test occurs at the same crack length for all the deflection rates; the maximum load, however, is dependent on the deflection rate for rates below the critical rate. The resulting dependence of the apparent fracture toughness on the deflection rate is compared to experimental results on soda-lime glass and polycrystalline alumina.

Chao, L. Y.↗

Evaluation of some scale effects in the response and failure of composite beams

The feasibility of using scale model testing for predicting full-scale behavior of composite beams loaded in tension and flexure was investigated. Classical laws of similitude were applied to fabricate and test replica model beams to identify scaling effects in the load response, strength, and mode of failure. Experiments were conducted using graphite-epoxy composite beams having different laminate stacking sequences and a range of scaled sizes. Results indicated that the elastic response of scaled composite beams was independent of specimen size. However, a significant scale effect in strength was observed. In addition, a transition in failure mode was observed among scaled beams of certain laminate stacking sequences. Weibull statistical and fracture mechanics based models were applied to predict the strength scale effect since standard failure criteria cannot account for the influence of absolute specimen size in failure.

Jackson, Karen E.↗

Aggregate Protection Response of Motor Loads in Commercial Buildings

Protection plays a critical role in determining the dynamic response of the induction motor loads and the overall performance of composite load models when subjected to voltage sags or disturbances. Up to date, due to lack of understanding of the aggregate performance of the protection of motors, protection modeling of the motors becomes one of the least accurate parts in dynamic (composite) load models. This paper fills this gap by providing detailed analysis of the motor loads and their associated protection in commercial buildings and deriving the aggregate protection response based on integrated transmission and distribution dynamic co-simulation. The results showed that the aggregate protection response of motor loads varies significantly among different classes, which indicates the protection modeling that has been developed based on the assumption of similar or even identical responses and used in some composite load models need to be updated.

Huang, Qiuhua↗

Strain gage calibration of a complex wing

Modern complex structural arrangements have complicated the task of measuring flight loads with calibrated strain gages. This paper examines the use of a relatively simple structural model to characterize the load responses of strain gages located on various spars of a delta wing. Strains measured during a laboratory load calibration of a wing structure are compared with calculations obtained from a simplified NASA structural analysis (NASTRAN) model. Calculated and measured influence coefficient plots that show the shear, bending, and torsion characteristics of typical strain-gage bridges are presented. Typical influence coefficient plots are given for several load equations to illustrate the derivation of the equations from the component strain-gage bridges. A relatively simple structural model was found to be effective in predicting the general nature of strain distributions and influence coefficient plots. The analytical processes are shown to be useful in obtaining a good load calibration. The analytical processes cannot, however, be used in lieu of an actual load calibration of an aircraft wing.

Jenkins, J. M.↗

Flexibility Reserve Reductions from an Energy Imbalance Market with High Levels of Wind Energy in the Western Interconnection

The anticipated increase in variable generation in the Western Interconnection (WI) over the next several years has raised concerns about how to maintain system balance, especially in smaller Balancing Areas (BAs). Given renewable portfolio standards in the West, it is possible that more than 50 gigawatts (GW) of wind capacity will be installed by 2020. Significant quantities of solar generationare likely to be added as well. The consequent increase in variability and uncertainty that must be managed by the conventional generation fleet and responsive load make it attractive to consider ways in which Balancing Area Authorities (BAAs) can pool their variability and response resources, thus taking advantage of geographic and temporal diversity to increase overall operational efficiency.Our analysis considers several alternative forms of an Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) that have been proposed in the non-market areas of the WI. The proposed EIM includes two changes in operating practices that independently reduce variability and increase access to responsive resources: BAA cooperation and sub-hourly dispatch. As proposed, the EIM does not consider any form of coordinated unitcommitment; however, over time it is possible that BAAs would develop formal or informal coordination plans. This report examines the benefits of several possible EIM implementations, both separately and in concert.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Acoustic-Structure Interaction in Rocket Engines: Validation Testing

While analyzing a rocket engine component, it is often necessary to account for any effects that adjacent fluids (e.g., liquid fuels or oxidizers) might have on the structural dynamics of the component. To better characterize the fully coupled fluid-structure system responses, an analytical approach that models the system as a coupled expansion of rigid wall acoustic modes and in vacuo structural modes has been proposed. The present work seeks to experimentally validate this approach. To experimentally observe well-coupled system modes, the test article and fluid cavities are designed such that the uncoupled structural frequencies are comparable to the uncoupled acoustic frequencies. The test measures the natural frequencies, mode shapes, and forced response of cylindrical test articles in contact with fluid-filled cylindrical and/or annular cavities. The test article is excited with a stinger and the fluid-loaded response is acquired using a laser-doppler vibrometer. The experimentally determined fluid-loaded natural frequencies are compared directly to the results of the analytical model. Due to the geometric configuration of the test article, the analytical model is found to be valid for natural modes with circumferential wave numbers greater than four. In the case of these modes, the natural frequencies predicted by the analytical model demonstrate excellent agreement with the experimentally determined natural frequencies.

Davis, R. Benjamin↗

The use of a simplified structural model as an aid in the strain gage calibration of a complex wing

The use of a relatively simple structural model to characterize the load responses of strain gages located on various spars of a delta wing is examined. Strains measured during a laboratory load calibration of a wing structure are compared with calculations obtained from a simplified structural analysis model. Calculated and measured influence coefficient plots that show the shear, bending, and torsion characteristics of typical strain gage bridges are presented. Typical influence coefficient plots are shown for several load equations to illustrate the derivation of the equations from the component strain gage bridges. A relatively simple structural model was found to be effective in predicting the general nature of strain distributions and influence coefficient plots. The analytical processes are shown to be an aid in obtaining a good load calibration. The analytical processes cannot, however, be used in lieu of an actual load calibration of an aircraft wing.

Jenkins, J. M.↗

Interlaminar R-Curve Effects in Thermoplastic Composites: Experiments and Model Correlations

The interlaminar fracture behavior of thermoplastic composites under Mode-I and Mode-II static loading is investigated in this research. The material system under consideration is a carbon fiber reinforced low melt semi-crystalline resin TC1225 LMPAEK T700G (T700/LMPAEK)†. Characterization experiments were conducted to measure the load-displacement response, peak load, and propagation of delamination from a pre-implanted Kapton® insert. The Mode-I response was characterized using a double cantilever beam (DCB) test according to the ASTM D5528-22 standard. It was observed that the propagation exhibited significant resistance to delamination growth, i.e., an R-Curve effect. The test data indicated that the steady-state fracture toughness, G SS I , was approximately twice the mean initiation fracture toughness, G Ic . The Mode-II response of an end notch flexure (ENF) specimen tested according to the ASTM D7905-19 standard exhibited an unexpected stable behavior upon attaining peak load. Prior to attaining peak load, the Mode-II response exhibited some non-linearity, which may be attributed to nonlinear bulk material response, e.g., hyper-elasticity, viscoelasticity, plasticity, etc., and potentially friction at the load/support rollers and R-Curve effects. Finite element models based on the Cohesive Zone Method (CZM) and the Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) were used to predict the DCB and ENF specimen responses. DCB analysis results obtained using G SS I predicted propagation consistent with experimental data. However, results obtained with the as characterized G Ic were inaccurate in predicting delamination growth onset and peak load. ENF analysis results obtained with the as-characterized Mode-II fracture toughness, G IIc , were inaccurate in predicting the peak load and propagation. Hence, R-Curve effects were included in both DCB and ENF simulations, which enabled improved predictions. The experimentally determined Mode-I R-Curve was used for the DCB simulations, whereas an R-Curve was derived for Mode-II assuming that the change in compliance of the specimen was associated with crack growth only.

Prabhakar M Rao↗

Interlaminar R-Curve Effects in Thermoplastic Composites: Experiments and Model Correlations

The interlaminar fracture behavior of thermoplastic composites under Mode-I and Mode-II static loading is investigated in this research. The material system under consideration is a carbon fiber reinforced low melt semi-crystalline resin TC1225 LMPAEK T700G (T700/LMPAEK)†. Characterization experiments were conducted to measure the load-displacement response, peak load, and propagation of delamination from a pre-implanted Kapton® insert. The Mode-I response was characterized using a double cantilever beam (DCB) test according to the ASTM D5528-22 standard. It was observed that the propagation exhibited significant resistance to delamination growth, i.e., an R-Curve effect. The test data indicated that the steady-state fracture toughness, G SS I , was approximately twice the mean initiation fracture toughness, G Ic . The Mode-II response of an end notch flexure (ENF) specimen tested according to the ASTM D7905-19 standard exhibited an unexpected stable behavior upon attaining peak load. Prior to attaining peak load, the Mode-II response exhibited some non-linearity, which may be attributed to nonlinear bulk material response, e.g., hyper-elasticity, viscoelasticity, plasticity, etc., and potentially friction at the load/support rollers and R-Curve effects. Finite element models based on the Cohesive Zone Method (CZM) and the Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) were used to predict the DCB and ENF specimen responses. DCB analysis results obtained using G SS I predicted propagation consistent with experimental data. However, results obtained with the as characterized G Ic were inaccurate in predicting delamination growth onset and peak load. ENF analysis results obtained with the as-characterized Mode-II fracture toughness, G IIc , were inaccurate in predicting the peak load and propagation. Hence, R-Curve effects were included in both DCB and ENF simulations, which enabled improved predictions. The experimentally determined Mode-I R-Curve was used for the DCB simulations, whereas an R-Curve was derived for Mode-II assuming that the change in compliance of the specimen was associated with crack growth only.

Prabhakar Rao↗

Three-Gorge Reservoir: A 'Controlled Experiment' for Calibration/Validation of Time-Variable Gravity Signals Detected from Space

With the advances of measurements, modern space geodesy has become a new type of remote sensing for the Earth dynamics, especially for mass transports in the geophysical fluids on large spatial scales. A case in point is the space gravity mission GRACE (Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment) which has been in orbit collecting gravity data since early 2002. The data promise to be able to detect changes of water mass equivalent to sub-cm thickness on spatial scale of several hundred km every month or so. China s Three-Gorge Reservoir has already started the process of water impoundment in phases. By 2009,40 km3 of water will be stored behind one of the world s highest dams and spanning a section of middle Yangtze River about 600 km in length. For the GRACE observations, the Three-Gorge Reservoir would represent a geophysical controlled experiment , one that offers a unique opportunity to do detailed geophysical studies. -- Assuming a complete documentation of the water level and history of the water impoundment process and aided with a continual monitoring of the lithospheric loading response (such as in area gravity and deformation), one has at hand basically a classical forwardinverse modeling problem of surface loading, where the input and certain output are known. The invisible portion of the impounded water, i.e. underground storage, poses either added values as an observable or a complication as an unknown to be modeled. Wang (2000) has studied the possible loading effects on a local scale; we here aim for larger spatial scales upwards from several hundred km, with emphasis on the time-variable gravity signals that can be detected by GRACE and follow-on missions. Results using the Green s function approach on the PREM elastic Earth model indicate the geoid height variations reaching several millimeters on wavelengths of about a thousand kilometers. The corresponding vertical deformations have amplitude of a few centimeters. In terms of long-wavelength spherical harmonics, the induced geoid height variations are very close to the accuracy of GRACE- recoverable gravity field, while the low-degree (2 to 5) harmonics should be detectable. With a large regional time-variable gravity signal, the Three-Gorge experiment can serve as a useful calibration/verification for GRACE (including the elastic loading effects), and future gravity missions (especially for visco-elastic yielding as well as underground water variations).

Chao, Benjamin F.↗