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At least 1,567 records · Page 87

Thermal stresses and buckling of elastic plates with reinforced edges

An approximation method based on the method of Kantorovich is used to calculate the critical thickness necessary to prevent thermal buckling of a rectangular cantilever plate with edge stiffeners. The case where no external loads are applied is considered, and the only stresses are those due to the prescribed thermal profile. Stiffeners are found to play an important role in the thermal buckling by affecting the overall distribution of the in-plane stresses within the plate. Results show that edge stiffeners can cause less or more buckling, and that in most situations the edge stiffeners hinder buckling because a thicker plate is required than if the stiffeners were not present.

Ahmed, M.↗

Seasonal Modulation of Crustal Seismicity in Northeastern Japan Driven by Snow Load

Numerous studies have reported that surface hydrological loading can seasonally modulate seismicity rates at crustal depths. For example, substantial winter snow accumulation occurs across the Japanese Islands, and these snowy regions appear to have seasonally modulated the occurrence of previous large inland earthquakes. Therefore, it is important to investigate the impact of seasonal stress changes on crustal seismicity to deepen our understanding of earthquake generation. Here we constrain seasonal changes in the surface load across northeastern Japan using Global Navigation Satellite System surface displacements and evaluate the potential relationship between temporal trends in inland seismicity and estimated seasonal stress changes. The spatial distribution of the seasonal surface load is consistent with snow depth along the Sea of Japan. The inland seismicity beneath northeastern Japan is modestly modulated by the seasonal stress changes that are induced by the annual snow load. However, this seasonal response is weaker than that in other regions. This weak modulation may be due to the small surface-load-induced stress perturbation relative to the long-term-averaged stressing rate and/or the limited presence of crustal fluids to trigger seismicity in Japan.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Structural analysis of a thermal insulation retainer assembly

In January 1989 an accident occurred in the National Transonic Facility wind tunnel at NASA Langley Research Center that was believed to be caused by the failure of a thermal insulation retainer. A structural analysis of this retainer assembly was performed in order to understand the possible failure mechanisms. Two loading conditions are important and were considered in the analysis. The first is the centrifugal force due to the fact that this retainer is located on the fan drive shaft. The second loading is a differential temperature between the retainer assembly and the underlying shaft. Geometrically nonlinear analysis is required to predict the stiffness of this component and to account for varying contact regions between various components in the assembly. High, local stresses develop in the band part of the assembly near discontinuities under both the centrifugal and thermal loadings. The presence of an aluminum ring during a portion of the part's operating life was found to increase the stresses in other regions of the band. Under the centrifugal load, high bending stresses develop near the intersection of the band with joints in the assembly. These high bending stresses are believed to be the most likely cause for failure of the assembly.

Greene, William H.↗

Origin of strain softening in a nanograined Al alloy

Here, one-step and multi-step nanoindentation experiments were conducted to investigate the mechanical response of an Al-Mg-Li alloy. Opposite to the strain hardening effect observed in the coarse-grained (CG) alloy, the nanograined (NG) alloy exhibits strain softening. Compared with multi-step nanoindentation experiments, the ultralow dislocation density and the grain boundary (GB) segregation promote a higher stress level during one-step nanoindentation experiments. Residual perfect dislocations induced by a previous loading and unloading during multi-step nanoindentation experiments lower the stress required for further plastic deformation. In addition, the storage of partial dislocations also serves to render plastic flow to commence at lower stresses. This work provides new insights for the fabrication and property optimization of NG alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Cyclic fatigue damage characteristics observed for simple loadings extended to multiaxial life prediction

Fully reversed uniaxial strain controlled fatigue tests were performed on smooth cylindrical specimens made of 304 stainless steel. Fatigue life data and cracking observations for uniaxial tests were compared with life data and cracking behavior observed in fully reversed torsional tests. It was determined that the product of maximum principle strain amplitude and maximum principle stress provided the best correlation of fatigue lives for these two loading conditions. Implementation of this parameter is in agreement with observed physical damage and it accounts for the variation of stress-strain response, which is unique to specific loading conditions. Biaxial fatigue tests were conducted on tubular specimens employing both in-phase and out-of-phase tension torsion cyclic strain paths. Cracking observations indicated that the physical damage which occurred in the biaxial tests was similar to the damage observed in uniaxial and torsional tests. The Smith, Watson, and Topper parameter was then extended to predict the fatigue lives resulting from the more complex loading conditions.

Jones, David J.↗

Role of deformation twinning in fatigue of CrCoNi medium-entropy alloy at room temperature

Here cylindrical specimens of CrCoNi alloy with electropolished surfaces were subjected to constant total strain amplitude low cycle fatigue. The alloy exhibited an initial period of cyclic hardening followed by cyclic softening until failure occurred. At the end of hardening stage at the peak of cyclic stress, well-developed persistent slip markings (PSMs) consisting of extrusions and intrusions were associated with thin deformation twins. A sophisticated experimental workflow was designed to extract information from the surface and the bulk of tested material. A combination of SEM, EBSD, ECCI, FIB and HR-STEM was used to study the internal structure and the surface profiles around the deformation twins, which were produced during the initial period of cyclic loading. Furthermore, localized cyclic plastic strain and stress concentrations near deformation twins led not only to early, well-developed PSMs, but also to the activation of TWIP and TRIP plasticity even at low macroscopic stress amplitudes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Experimental and analytical investigation of a monocoque wing model loaded in bending

Bending tests with transverse loads and with pure bending were undertaken on a double-web monocoque wing model in order to establish the relation between the state of stress and the results from the elementary bending theory. The longitudinal stresses in the stiffeners were measured with tensiometers and the shear stresses in the sheet were calculated from them. The measurements were made at both moderate loads with no buckles in the covering and at loads with which the critical stress in the individual panels was exceeded. For the comparison, the wing skin was considered as stiffened sheet according to the shear panel scheme. In this way, the statistically indeterminate calculation was confirmed by the test results.

Schapitz, E↗

A Combined Computational and Mathematical Analysis of Interconnect Fatigue Potential in Photovoltaic Modules

A finite element model of a 60-cell monocrystalline silicon glass-polymer photovoltaic module was simulated with ±1.0 kPa and ±2.4 kPa loads applied to the glass to calculate the deformation under load. Cell-to-cell displacements were used to approximate interconnect strain and stress. A mathematical fatigue cycle life relation was fitted to data for the interconnect material (copper), to generate a life prediction at each interconnect location based on the local stress means, reversal extents, and amplitudes. Interconnect stress was found to be significantly asymmetric about zero despite symmetric positive and negative module loads due to laminate thickness offsets about the neutral plane and the effects of module framing. Cycle life results indicated that interconnect fatigue failure was unlikely to occur over a 30-year lifetime of conservative wind and snow load cycles since the typical cell design feature of leaving some unconstrained length between the cell edge and first solder pad increases the effective gauge length and decreases the stress levels below the material endurance limit. Follow-up analyses found that 3.6 mm and 6.4 mm were the minimum unconstrained lengths required to survive the assumed lifetime of wind and snow cycles, respectively, confirming that typical industrial module constructions with 8–15 mm unconstrained lengths should survive conservatively. Notably, large magnitude, low-cycle snow loading was consistently the limiting factor requiring a longer unconstrained interconnect length. Finally, insights and workflows from this study inform module interconnection design limits for survival against mechanical fatigue in deployment environments.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Computer analysis of two-dimensional fatigue flaw-growth problems

A description is given of a computer program for analyzing the crack propagation in cyclic loaded structures. By using equations for the stress intensity factors for surface and embedded flaws, the capability of ascertaining lengthwise crack growth as well as crack growth through the thickness of the structure was determined. Equations used are written in general form so that many other types of crack growth problems, such as through the thickness type cracks, can be analyzed. Provisions have been made in the computer program to analyze crack growth for repeated blocks of variable-amplitude fatigue load spectra. Additional features of the computer program include a variable print interval and a variable integration interval to minimize computer printout and computer run time. A source listing and instructions for using the computer program are included.

Forman, R. G.↗

An evaluation of the effects of stacking sequence and thickness on the fatigue life of quasi-isotropic graphite/epoxy laminates

Notched and unnotched geometries at 16, 32, and 64-ply thicknesses of a 90/45/0-45 (ns) laminate and a 45/0/-45/90 (ns) laminate were tested in compression-compression fatigue. The fatigue life and the initiation, type, and progression of damage were determined. Interlaminar stresses generated at straight, free edges of axially loaded laminates were used to interpret the test results. The fatigue lives of the notched specimens did not appear to be a strong function of laminate stacking sequence or specimen thickness. The stress concentration at the hole dominated over the interlaminar stresses at the straight free edge. The unnotched specimens of the 90/45/0/-45 (ns) laminate with tensile interlaminar normal stresses delaminated more readily than did the 45/0/-45/90 (ns) laminate with compressive interlaminar normal stress. The life of the 16-ply unnotched specimens was lower than the 32- and 64-ply specimens. Delaminations were located at the interface where the maximum shear stress occurred regardless of the sense or magnitude of the interlaminar normal stress. An antibuckling fixture was effective in preventing out-of-plane motion without overconstraining the specimen.

Harris, C. E.↗

An evaluation of the effects of stacking sequence and thickness on the fatigue life of quasi-isotropic graphite/epoxy laminates

Notched and unnotched geometries at 16, 32, and 64-ply thicknesses of a 90/45/0-45 (ns) laminate and a 45/0/-45/90 (ns) laminate were tested in compression-compression fatigue. The fatigue life and the initiation, type, and progression of damage were determined. Interlaminar stresses generated at straight, free edges of axially loaded laminates were used to interpret the test results. The fatigue lives of the notched specimens did not appear to be a strong function of laminate stacking sequence or specimen thickness. The stress concentration at the hole dominated over the interlaminar stresses at the straight free edge. The unnotched specimens of the 90/45/0/-45 (ns) laminate with tensile interlaminar normal stresses delaminated more readily than did the 45/0/-45/90 (ns) laminate with compressive interlaminar normal stress. The life of the 16-ply unnotched specimens was lower than the 32and 64-ply specimens. Delaminations were located at the interface where the maximum shear stress occurred regardless of the sense or magnitude of the interlaminar normal stress. An antibuckling fixture was effective in preventing out-of-plane motion without overconstraining the specimen.

Harris, C. E.↗

Hydrogen Embrittlement

Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) is a process resulting in a decrease in the fracture toughness or ductility of a metal due to the presence of atomic hydrogen. In addition to pure hydrogen gas as a direct source for the absorption of atomic hydrogen, the damaging effect can manifest itself from other hydrogen-containing gas species such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), hydrogen chloride (HCl), and hydrogen bromide (HBr) environments. It has been known that H2S environment may result in a much more severe condition of embrittlement than pure hydrogen gas (H2) for certain types of alloys at similar conditions of stress and gas pressure. The reduction of fracture loads can occur at levels well below the yield strength of the material. Hydrogen embrittlement is usually manifest in terms of singular sharp cracks, in contrast to the extensive branching observed for stress corrosion cracking. The initial crack openings and the local deformation associated with crack propagation may be so small that they are difficult to detect except in special nondestructive examinations. Cracks due to HE can grow rapidly with little macroscopic evidence of mechanical deformation in materials that are normally quite ductile. This Technical Memorandum presents a comprehensive review of experimental data for the effects of gaseous Hydrogen Environment Embrittlement (HEE) for several types of metallic materials. Common material screening methods are used to rate the hydrogen degradation of mechanical properties that occur while the material is under an applied stress and exposed to gaseous hydrogen as compared to air or helium, under slow strain rates (SSR) testing. Due to the simplicity and accelerated nature of these tests, the results expressed in terms of HEE index are not intended to necessarily represent true hydrogen service environment for long-term exposure, but rather to provide a practical approach for material screening, which is a useful concept to qualitatively evaluate the severity of hydrogen embrittlement. The effects of hydrogen gas on mechanical properties such as tensile strength, ductility, fracture, low and high cycle fatigue, crack growth rate, and creep rupture are analyzed with respect to the general trends established from the HEE index values. It is observed that the severity of HE effects is also influenced by environmental factors such as pressure, temperature, and hydrogen gas purity. The severity of HE effects is also influenced by material factors such as surface finish, heat treatment, and product forms, compositions, grain direction, and crystal orientations.

Jonathan A. Lee↗

U-Groove aluminum weld strength improvement

Though butt-welds are among the most preferred joining methods in aerostructures, their strength dependence on inelastic mechanics is generally the least understood. This study investigated experimental strain distributions across a thick aluminum U-grooved weld and identified two weld process considerations for improving the multipass weld strength. The extreme thermal expansion and contraction gradient of the fusion heat input across the groove tab thickness produces severe peaking, which induces bending under uniaxial loading. The filler strain-hardening decreased with increasing filler pass sequence, producing the weakest welds on the last pass side. Current welding schedules unknowingly compound these effects which reduce the weld strength. A depeaking index model was developed to select filler pass thicknesses, pass numbers, and sequences to improve depeaking in the welding process. The intent is to combine the strongest weld pass side with the peaking induced bending tension to provide a more uniform stress and stronger weld under axial tensile loading.

Verderaime, V.↗

Response of nonlinear panels to random loads

Lightweight aircraft structures exposed to a high intensity noise environment can fatigue prematurely if adequate consideration is not given to the problem. Design methods and design criteria for sonic fatigue prevention were developed based on analytical and experimental techniques. Most of the analytical work was based upon small deflection or linear structural theory which did not agree with the experimental results. A large deflection geometrical nonlinearity was incorporated into the analysis methods for determining the structural response to high intensity noise. The Karman-Herrmann large deflection equations with a single mode Galerkin approximation, and the method of equivalent linearization were used to predict mean square amplitude, mean square stresses, and nonlinear frequency at various acoustic loadings for rectangular panels. Both simply supported and clamped support conditions with immovable or movable inplane edges are considered. Comparisons with experimental results are presented.

Mei, C.↗

Analysis of thermomechanical fatigue of unidirectional titanium metal matrix composites

Thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) data was generated for a Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn (Ti-15-3) material reinforced with SCS-6 silicon carbide fibers for both in-phase and out-of-phase thermomechanical cycling. Significant differences in failure mechanisms and fatigue life were noted for in-phase and out-of-phase testing. The purpose of the research is to apply a micromechanical model to the analysis of the data. The analysis predicts the stresses in the fiber and the matrix during the thermal and mechanical cycling by calculating both the thermal and mechanical stresses and their rate-dependent behavior. The rate-dependent behavior of the matrix was characterized and was used to calculate the constituent stresses in the composite. The predicted 0 degree fiber stress range was used to explain the composite failure. It was found that for a given condition, temperature, loading frequency, and time at temperature, the 0 degree fiber stress range may control the fatigue life of the unidirectional composite.

Mirdamadi, M.↗

New Alloys for Electroformed Replicated X-Ray Optics

The process of electroforming x-ray mirror shells off a superpolished mandrel has been widely used. The recently launched XMM mission is a good example of this, containing 174 such mirror shells of diameters ranging from 0.3-0.7 m and thicknesses of 0.47-1.07 mm. To continue to utilize this technique for the next generation of x-ray observatories, where ever-larger collecting areas will be required within the constraints of tight weight budgets, demands that new alloys be developed that can withstand the large stresses imposed on very thin shells by the replication and handling processes. Towards this end, we began a development program in late 1997 to produce a high-strength alloy suitable for electroforming very thin high-resolution x-ray optics. The requirements for this task are quite severe; not only must the electroformed deposit be very strong, it must also have extremely low residual stresses to prevent serious figure distortions in large thin-walled shells. Further, the electroforming must be performed at near room temperature, as large temperature changes will modify the figure of the mandrel, in an environment that is not corrosive for the mandrel. The figure of merit for the strength of the electroformed deposit is its Precision Elastic Limit (PEL). This is a measure of permanent strain, at the few parts per million level, under applied stress. Pure nickel is very ductile and will permanently deform, at the parts-per-million level under loads of a few x 10(exp 7) Pa. These stresses are easily exceeded when thin-walled shells (150 micron thick) are replicated. Our goal was to develop an alloy an order of magnitude stronger than this. We will present the results of our development program, showing the evolution of our plating baths through to our present 'glassy' nickel alloy that satisfies the goals above. For each we will show the electroforming characteristics of the bath and the PEL measurements for the resulting alloys. We estimate the ultimate limit on shell thickness and mass for x-ray mirrors produced in these baths.

Engelhaupt, D.↗