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At least 1,351 records · Page 75

NIRS-Derived Tissue Oxygen Saturation and Hydrogen Ion Concentration Following Bed Rest

Long-term bed rest (BR), a model of spaceflight, results in a decrease in aerobic capacity and altered submaximal exercise responses. The strongest BR-induced effects on exercise appear to be centrally-mediated, but longer BR durations may result in peripheral adaptations (e.g., decreased mitochondrial and capillary density) which are likely to influence exercise responses. PURPOSE: To measure tissue oxygen saturation (SO2) and hydrogen ion concentration ([H+]) in the vastus lateralis (VL) using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during cycle ergometry before and after . 30 d of BR. METHODS: Eight subjects performed a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer to volitional fatigue 7 d before (pre-BR) and at the end or 1 day after BR (post-BR). NIRS spectra were collected from a sensor adhered to the skin overlying the VL. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was measured by open circuit spirometry. Blood volume (BV) was measured before and after BR using the carbon monoxide rebreathing technique. Changes in pre- and post-BR SO2 and [H+] data were compared using mixed model analyses. BV and peak exercise data were compared using paired t-tests. RESULTS: BV (pre-BR: 4.3+/-0.3, post-BR: 3.7+/-0.2 L, mean+/-SE, p=.01) and peak VO2 (pre-BR: 1.98+/-0.24, post-BR: 1.48 +/-0.21 L/min, p<.01) were reduced after BR. As expected, SO2 decreased with exercise before and after BR. However, SO2 was lower post compared with pre-BR throughout exercise, including at peak exercise (pre-BR: 50+/-3, post-BR: 43+/-4%, p=.01). After BR, [H+] was higher at the start of exercise and did not increase at the same rate as pre-BR. Peak [H+] was not different from pre to post-BR (pre-BR: 36+/-2; post-BR: 38+/-2 nmol/L). CONCLUSIONS: Lower SO2 during exercise suggests that oxygen extraction in the VL is higher after BR, perhaps due to lower circulating blood volume. The higher [H+] after BR suggests a greater reliance upon glycolysis during submaximal exercise, although [H+] at peak exercise was unchanged. Taken together, these data suggest that longer duration BR induces a number of changes that result in peripheral adaptations which contribute to cardiovascular and muscular deconditioning as measured by NIRS-derived SO2 and [H+] in the VL and may contribute to lower post-BR exercise tolerance. Supported by the National Space Biomedical Research Institute through NASA NCC 9-58

Lee, S. M. C.↗

Effects of moisture on torsion and flexure properties of graphite-epoxy composites

The effects of moisture and temperature on unidirectional and multi-ply laminates of T300/934 and AS/3501 graphite-epoxy systems were investigated. Properties studied were static flexure strength, and flexure and torsion fatigue strengths at room temperature and at 74 C. Specimens with increased moisture content showed a reduced static flexure strength; water as the test environment had only a negligible influence. In flexure fatigue and torsion fatigue, the water environment caused somewhat reduced fatigue strengths at room temperature and significantly greater degradation in 74 C water. The failure mode in all cases was interlaminar delamination.

Sumsion, H. T.↗

Effects of moisture on apparent flexure strength and on torsion and flexure fatigue properties of graphite-epoxy composites

The effects of moisture and temperature on unidirectional and multi-ply laminates of T300/934 and AS/3501 graphite-epoxy systems were investigated. Properties studied were static flexure strength and flexure and torsion fatigue strengths at room temperature and at 74 C. Specimens with increased moisture content showed a reduced static flexure strength; water as the test environment had only a negligible influence. In flexure fatigue and torsion fatigue, the water environment caused somewhat reduced fatigue strengths at room temperature and significantly greater degradation in 74 C water. The failure mode in all cases was interlaminar delamination.

Sumsion, H. T.↗

The role of creep in high temperature low cycle fatigue.

The significance of the role that creep can play in governing high-temperature, low-cycle fatigue resistance is investigated by conducting strain cycling tests on two high-temperature stainless steel alloys and making concurrent measurements of stress, temperature, and strain at various frequencies. The results are then analyzed in terms of damage imposed by creep and fatigue components. It is shown that creep can play an important and sometimes dominant role in low cycle fatigue at high temperatures. The results of the study include the findings that: (1) the simple life-fraction theory described is adequate for calculating creep damage when the cyclic creep rupture curve is used as a basis for analysis; (2) a method of universal slopes originally developed for room temperature use is sufficiently accurate at high temperature to be used to calculate pure fatigue damage; and (3) a linear creep-fatigue damage rule can explain the transitions observed from one failure mode to another.

Manson, S. S.↗

Development of methodology for qualifying safety critical A286 threaded fasteners

A test program was initiated at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to experimentally determine the cyclic fatigue life of pre-cracked A286 stainless steel fasteners which just survived a proof test to a prescribed fraction of their ultimate tensile strength. The functional dependency of the cyclic fatigue life of a fastener on the fatigue stress (mean and alternating stresses), fastener size, material tensile strength, and proof load was formulated using the NASA/FLAGRO computer program. It was found that proof load has the strongest effect on fatigue life, while the mean stress has the least effect. The fastener size only has a minor effect, but the alternating stress range has a strong influence on the fatigue life of fasteners. Limited experimental verification of the hypothesized functional relationship is provided in this program for the effect of proof load and fastener size in addition to the analytic verification.

Hsieh, Cheng↗

System reliability and risk assessment task goals and status

The major focus for continued development of the Numerical Evaluation of Stochastic Structures Under Stress (NESSUS) codes is in support of system testing and certification of advanced propulsion systems. Propulsion system testing has evolved over the years from tests designed to show success, to tests designed to reveal reliability issues before service use. Such test conditions as performance envelope corners, high rotor imbalance, power dwells, and overspeed tests are designed to shake out problems that can be associated with low and high cycle fatigue, creep, and stress rupture, bearing durability, and the like. Subsystem testing supports system certification by standing as an early evaluation of the same durability and reliability concerns as for the entire system. The NESSUS software system is being further developed to support the definition of rigorous subsystem and system test definition and reliability certification. The principal technical issues are outlined which are related to system reliability, including key technology issues such as failure mode synergism, sequential failure mechanisms, and fault tree definition.

Cruse, T. A.↗

Simulating the Clamped Tapered Beam Specimen Under Quasi-Static and Fatigue Loading Using Floating Node Method

As part of the NASA Advanced Composites Project (ACP), a sub-element has been designed to provide validation data for progressive damage analysis models. The clamped tapered beam is a cross-ply laminated composite specimen designed to validate the simulation of the onset of matrix cracks and their interaction with delaminations, including delamination migration. A tapered geometry was used to localize the first damage occurrence in the tapered region, without prescribing an initial crack. The boundary and loading conditions were chosen to favor delamination growth and subsequent migration after the first damage occurrence. The typical sequence of events consists of a matrix crack located at the tapered region, leading to delamination onset, followed by delamination growth and subsequent delamination migration to a different interface via a dominant matrix crack. The Clamped Tapered Beam (CTB) was tested in both quasi-static and fatigue regimes. The results obtained are used in this study to assess and validate a methodology based on the Floating Node Method (FNM) implemented as an Extended Interface Element. In this methodology, quasi-static and fatigue damage formation and development are modeled by combining FNM to represent crack networks, with Directional Cohesive Zone Elements (DCZE) and Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT), respectively. Qualitatively, the methodology is capable of predicting the sequence of events and overall failure morphology. Quantitatively, the simulation results generally bound the experimental data, based on the range of the characterization data used. In this paper, the results from quasi static and fatigue simulations are compared and correlated with experimental data.

Seshadri, B. R.↗

Fracture mechanics data for 2024-T861 and 2124-T851 aluminum

The fracture toughness and fatigue flaw growth characteristics of 2024-T861 and 2124-T851 aluminum were evaluated under plane stress conditions. Center cracked tension specimens were employed to evaluate these properties under a number of different test conditions which included variations in specimen thickness, specimen orientation, test environment, and initial flaw size. The effect of buckling was also investigated for all tests of thin gage specimens, and the effect of frequency and stress ratio was evaluated for the cyclic tests. Fracture toughness test results were analyzed and presented in terms of fracture resistance curves; fatigue flaw growth data was analyzed using empirical rate models. The results of the study indicate that both fracture toughness and resistance to fatigue crack growth improve with increasing temperature and decreasing thickness. The presence of buckling during testing of thin gage panels was found to degrade the resistance to fatigue flaw growth only at elevated temperatures.

Pionke, L. J.↗

Fracture mechanics; Proceedings of the Seventeenth National Symposium, Albany, NY, August 7-9, 1984

The present conference gives attention to topics in the application of fracture mechanics, subcritical crack growth phenomena, fracture testing methods, ductile fracture behavior, and fracture mechanisms and their analysis. Specific papers treat the resistance curve approach to composite materials characterization, fracture toughness in ductile iron and cast steel, hold-time effects in elevated temperature fatigue crack propagation, creep crack growth under nonsteady conditions, viscoplastic fatigue in a superalloy at elevated temperatures, fracture testing with arc bend specimens, one-point bend impact test application, and a compact mode II fracture specimen. Also discussed are the computation of stable crack growth using the J-integral, the use of plastic energy dissipation to characterize crack growth, the extension of surface cracks under cyclic loading, the minimum time criterion for crack instability in structural materials, dynamic crack propagation and branching under biaxial loading, and boundary layer effects in cracked bodies.

Underwood, J. M.↗

Qualification Testing of Engineering Camera and Platinum Resistance Thermometer (PRT) Sensors for Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Project under Extreme Temperatures to Assess Reliability and to Enhance Mission Assurance

Package Qualification and Verification (PQV) of advanced electronic packaging and interconnect technologies and various other types of qualification hardware for the Mars Exploration Rover/Mars Science Laboratory flight projects has been performed to enhance the mission assurance. The qualification of hardware (Engineering Camera and Platinum Resistance Thermometer, PRT) under extreme cold temperatures has been performed with reference to various project requirements. The flight-like packages, sensors, and subassemblies have been selected for the study to survive three times (3x) the total number of expected temperature cycles resulting from all environmental and operational exposures occurring over the life of the flight hardware including all relevant manufacturing, ground operations and mission phases. Qualification has been performed by subjecting above flight-like qual hardware to the environmental temperature extremes and assessing any structural failures or degradation in electrical performance due to either overstress or thermal cycle fatigue. Experiments of flight like hardware qualification test results have been described in this paper.

package reliability↗

The effects of pitting on fatigue crack nucleation in 7075-T6 aluminum alloy

A high-strength aluminum alloy, 7075-T6, was studied to quantitatively evaluate chemical pitting effects of its corrosion fatigue life. The study focused on pit nucleation, pit growth, and fatigue crack nucleation. Pitting corrosion fatigue experiments were conducted in 3.5 percent NaCl aqueous solution under constant amplitude sinusoidal loading at two frequencies, 5 and 20 Hz. Smooth and unnotched specimens were used in this investigation. A video recording system was developed to allow in situ observation of the surface changes of the specimens during testing. The results indicated that pitting corrosion considerably reduces the fatigue strength by accelerating fatigue crack nucleation. A metallographic examination was conducted on the specimens to evaluate the nature of corrosion pits. First, the actual shapes of the corrosion pits were evaluated by cross-sectioning the pits. Secondly, the relation between corrosion pits and microstructure was also investigated. Finally, the possibility of another corrosion mechanism that might be involved in pitting was explored in this investigation. The fractography of the tested specimens showed that corner corrosion pits were responsible for fatigue crack nucleation in the material due to the associated stress concentration. The pits exhibited variance of morphology. Fatigue life for the experimental conditions appeared to be strongly dependent on pitting kinetics and the crack nucleation stage.

Ma, LI↗

Life prediction modeling based on cyclic damage accumulation

A high temperature, low cycle fatigue life prediction method was developed. This method, Cyclic Damage Accumulation (CDA), was developed for use in predicting the crack initiation lifetime of gas turbine engine materials, where initiation was defined as a 0.030 inch surface length crack. A principal engineering feature of the CDA method is the minimum data base required for implementation. Model constants can be evaluated through a few simple specimen tests such as monotonic loading and rapic cycle fatigue. The method was expanded to account for the effects on creep-fatigue life of complex loadings such as thermomechanical fatigue, hold periods, waveshapes, mean stresses, multiaxiality, cumulative damage, coatings, and environmental attack. A significant data base was generated on the behavior of the cast nickel-base superalloy B1900+Hf, including hundreds of specimen tests under such loading conditions. This information is being used to refine and extend the CDA life prediction model, which is now nearing completion. The model is also being verified using additional specimen tests on wrought INCO 718, and the final version of the model is expected to be adaptable to most any high-temperature alloy. The model is currently available in the form of equations and related constants. A proposed contract addition will make the model available in the near future in the form of a computer code to potential users.

Nelson, Richard S.↗

Successful Solutions to SSME/AT Development Turbine Blade Distress

As part of the High-Pressure Fuel Turbopump/Alternate Turbopump (HPFTP/AT) turbine blade development program, unique turbine blade design features were implemented to address 2nd stage turbine blade high cycle fatigue distress and improve turbine robustness. Features included the addition of platform featherseal dampers, asymmetric blade tip seal segments, gold plating of the blade attachments, and airfoil tip trailing edge modifications. Development testing shows these features have eliminated turbine blade high cycle fatigue distress and consequently these features are currently planned for incorporation to the flight configuration. Certification testing will begin in 1999. This presentation summarizes these features.

Montgomery, Stuart K.↗

Influence of gaseous hydrogen on the mechanical properties of high temperature alloys

Tensile tests of six nickel-base and one cobalt-base alloy were conducted in 34.5 MN/sq m helium and hydrogen environments at temperatures from 297 K to 1,088 K. Mechanical properties tests of the nickel-base alloy MAR M-246 (Hf modified), in two cast conditions, were conducted in gaseous environments at temperatures from 297 K to 1,144 K and pressures from one atmosphere to 34.5 MN/sq m. The objective of this program was to obtain the mechanical properties of the various alloys proposed for use in space propulsion systems in a pure hydrogen environment at different temperatures and to compare with the mechanical properties in helium at the same conditions. All testing was conducted on solid specimens exposed to external gaseous pressure. Smooth and notched tensile properties were determined using ASTM tensile testing techniques, and creep-rupture life was determined using ASTM creep-rupture techniques. Low-cycle fatigue life was established by constant total strain and constant stress testing using smooth specimens and a closed-loop test machine.

Source record↗

Fatigue damage of notched boron/epoxy laminates under constant-amplitude loading

Fatigue damage in (0, plus or minus 45) and (0, plus or minus 45, 90) boron/epoxy laminates was studied with X-ray radiography and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, limited tests for residual strength and stiffness were performed. Initially, fatigue damage in both (0, plus or minus 45) and (0, plus or minus 45, 90) laminates occurred as intralaminar cracks around the edge of the hole. Then, whenever further damage developed, intralaminar cracks in the plus or minus 45-deg plies began to propagate from the edge of the hole. Finally, in both types of laminates, primarily plus or minus 45-deg fibers broke (prior to two-piece failure) where intralaminar cracks in the plus or minus 45-deg plies had occurred. In the (0, plus or minus 45) laminates, the 45-deg plies developed intralaminar and transthickness cracks along lines parallel to the loading axis and tangent to the hole in the test specimen. This damage, which was most pronounced under compressive loads, had little effect on either strength or stiffness. In contrast, in the (0, plus or minus 45, 90) laminates, the plus or minus 45-deg plies developed intralaminar cracks transverse to the loading axis.

Roderick, G. L.↗

Performance of solar shields

The loss of the micrometeoroid shield from the Orbital Workshop section of Skylab 1 about 63 seconds after lift-off, was the catalyst for a prodigious effort to develop a substitute for the passive portion of the thermal control system. An intensive effort is described in which numerous potential thermal shield materials were assessed, and during which period ten specific shield designs were developed and carried through various stages of development and test. Thermal shield materials data are discussed, including optical, strength, fatigue, outgassing, tackiness, ultraviolet radiation, and material memory properties. Specifically addressed are thermal shield materials selection criteria and the design, development, and test requirements associated with the successful development of Skylab thermal shields, and specifically the two thermal shields subsequently deployed over the exposed gold foil skin of the Orbital Workshop. Also considered are the general performance and thermal improvements provided by both the parasol design deployed by the Skylab 1 crew, and the sail design deployed by the Skylab 2 crew.

Schwinghamer, R. J.↗

A Diagnosis-Prognosis Feedback Loop for Improved Performance Under Uncertainties

The feed-forward relationship between diagnosis and prognosis is the foundation of both aircraft structural health management and the digital twin concept. Measurements of structural response are obtained either in-situ with mounted sensor networks or offline using more traditional techniques (e.g., nondestructive evaluation). Diagnosis algorithms process this information to detect and quantify damage and then feed this data forward to a prognostic framework. A prognosis of the structure's future operational readiness (e.g., remaining useful life or residual strength) is then made and is used to inform mission- critical decision-making. Years of research have been devoted to improving the elements of this process, but the process itself has not changed significantly. Here, a new approach is proposed in which prognosis information is not only fed forward for decision-making, but it is also fed back to the forthcoming diagnosis. In this way, diagnosis algorithms can take advantage of a priori information about the expected state of health, rather than operating in an uninformed condition. As a feasibility test, a diagnosis-prognosis feedback loop of this manner is demonstrated. The approach is applied to a numerical example in which fatigue crack growth is simulated in a simple aluminum alloy test specimen. A prognosis was derived from a set of diagnoses which provided feedback to a subsequent set of diagnoses. Improvements in accuracy and a reduction in uncertainty in the prognosis- informed diagnoses were observed when compared with an uninformed diagnostic approach.

Leser, Patrick E.↗

Sliding wear of self-mated Al2O3-SiC whisker reinforced composites at 23-1200 C

Microstructural changes occurring during sliding wear of self-mated Al2O3-SiC whisker reinforced composites were studied using optical, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Pin-on-disk specimens were slid in air at 2.7 m/sec sliding velocity under a 26.5 N load for 1 hr. Wear tests were conducted at 23, 600, 800, and 1200 C. Mild wear with a wear factor of 2.4 times 10(exp -7) to 1.5 times 10(exp -6) cu mm/Nm was experienced at all test temperatures. The composite shows evidence of wear by fatigue mechanisms at 800 C and below. Tribochemical reaction (SiC oxidation and reaction of SiO2 and Al2O3) leads to intergranular failure at 1200 C. Distinct microstructural differences existing at each test temperature are reported.

Farmer, Serene C.↗