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At least 163 records · Page 9

Stress intensity factors in a reinforced thick-walled cylinder

An elastic thick-walled cylinder containing a radial crack is considered. It is assumed that the cylinder is reinforced by an elastic membrane on its inner surface. The model is intended to simulate pressure vessels with cladding. The formulation of the problem is reduced to a singular integral equation. Various special cases including that of a crack terminating at the cylinder-reinforcement interface are investigated and numerical examples are given. Results indicate that in the case of the crack touching the interface the crack surface displacement derivative is finite and consequently the stress state around the corresponding crack tip is bounded; and generally, for realistic values of the stiffness parameter, the effect of the reinforcement is not very significant.

Tang, R.↗

Avian Blood-Vessel Formation in Space

Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that the developmental anomalies observed in the past might be related to or caused by delayed or improper vascular development. The objective of our research is to test the hypothesis that exposure to microgravity during space flight cause delayed or improper vascular development during embryogenesis. The effects of microgravity on the time course and extent of avian blood-vessel formation are assessed using two models, one for angiogenesis and one for vasculogenesis. The methodological approach is dictated by the constraints of the tissue preservation method used in space. Thus, both in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and in the adrenal, we will evaluate microscopically the vascular architecture and immunostain endothelial cells with specific antibodies (anti- vWF and QH1). The extent of ECM protein deposition will be assessed by immunohistochemistry and correlated with the degree of vascularization, using computer-based image analysis. Also, the cellular source for ECM proteins will be assessed by in situ hybridization.

Lelkes, Peter I.↗

Increased Arginine and Ornithine Flux in Islets of Langerhans Cultured in a Microgravity Model System

Microgravity is associated with alterations in protein metabolism of both muscle and bone. That pancreas-derived insulin is essential to the normal maintenance of body protein balance is well known. The importance of altered endocrine pancreas function in microgravity is not yet established. We proposed to examine the influence of a microgravity model system, the High Aspect Ratio Vessel (HARV) upon islets of Langerhans from Wistar Furth rats. Islets were cultured in the HARV for 48 hr in Medium-199 and contrasted to static control islets (PLATE). Nitrogenous compounds elaborated into the media (micromoles/ml) were analyzed at 0 and 48 hr of culture and compared to PLATE with a 2-way ANOVA (HARV vs Hour).

Tobin, B. W.↗

Microgravity and Immunity: Changes in Lymphocyte Gene Expression

Earlier studies had shown that modeled and true microgravity (MG) cause multiple direct effects on human lymphocytes. MG inhibits lymphocyte locomotion, suppresses polyclonal and antigen-specific activation, affects signal transduction mechanisms, as well as activation-induced apoptosis. In this study we assessed changes in gene expression associated with lymphocyte exposure to microgravity in an attempt to identify microgravity-sensitive genes (MGSG) in general and specifically those genes that might be responsible for the functional and structural changes observed earlier. Two sets of experiments targeting different goals were conducted. In the first set, T-lymphocytes from normal donors were activated with antiCD3 and IL2 and then cultured in 1g (static) and modeled MG (MMG) conditions (Rotating Wall Vessel bioreactor) for 24 hours. This setting allowed searching for MGSG by comparison of gene expression patterns in zero and 1 g gravity. In the second set - activated T-cells after culturing for 24 hours in 1g and MMG were exposed three hours before harvesting to a secondary activation stimulus (PHA) thus triggering the apoptotic pathway. Total RNA was extracted using the RNeasy isolation kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA). Affymetrix Gene Chips (U133A), allowing testing for 18,400 human genes, were used for microarray analysis. In the first set of experiments MMG exposure resulted in altered expression of 89 genes, 10 of them were up-regulated and 79 down-regulated. In the second set, changes in expression were revealed in 85 genes, 20 were up-regulated and 65 were down-regulated. The analysis revealed that significant numbers of MGS genes are associated with signal transduction and apoptotic pathways. Interestingly, the majority of genes that responded by up- or down-regulation in the alternative sets of experiments were not the same, possibly reflecting different functional states of the examined T-lymphocyte populations. The responder genes (MGSG) might play an essential role in adaptation to MG and/or be responsible for pathologic changes encountered in Space and thus represent potential targets for molecular-based countermeasures

Risin, D.↗

Cluster dynamics modeling of Mn-Ni-Si precipitates coupled with radiation-induced segregation in low-Cu reactor pressure vessel steels

Formation of precipitates enhanced or induced by irradiation causes hardening and embrittlement of nuclear structural materials. Post-irradiation microstructure characterization of reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels has shown that precipitation can be strongly associated with radiation-induced segregation (RIS) of solutes on dislocations. However, RIS and precipitation have not been coupled in previous precipitation modeling of RPV steels. Here in this study, a new hybrid and spatially-dependent precipitation model is developed that couples cluster dynamics with RIS, providing an unique way to account for concurrent evolution of heterogeneous cluster densities as well as solute and point defect concentration profiles. The model is applied to study the segregation of Mn, Ni, and Si on dislocations and heterogeneous nucleation of Mn-Ni-Si rich precipitates (MNSPs) in a low-Cu RPV steel. The result shows that the onset of MNSP nucleation on dislocations occurs at the fluence of 2 x 10 23 n.m -2 . The number density and mean radius can reach ~ 10 24 m -3 and 1-2 nm at high fluence, respectively. These observations suggest that the role of RIS and heterogeneous nucleation can be significant for RPV steels under a high fluence of irradiation. Results of simulations adopting various dose rates and dislocation densities show an increased fraction of MNSPs on dislocations at the condition of low dose rate, high dislocation density, and high fluence.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Theoretical investigation of braking of tearing mode rotation by resistive walls in ITER

The locking of the 2/1 tearing mode to the resistive wall in the ITER tokamak (15 MA inductive scenario 2) is investigated theoretically using a cylindrical asymptotic matching model. The model takes into account the fact that ITER plasmas will effectively be surrounded by two walls; the inner blanket module layer with a time constant of about 23 ms, and the outer vacuum vessel with a time constant of about 380 ms. The model also takes cognizance of the fact that neither the blanket module layer nor the vacuum vessel can be accurately described as “thin” walls (in the ordinarily accepted sense). The model incorporates changes in both the plasma poloidal and the toroidal angular velocity profiles, in response to the electromagnetic braking torque that develops at the rational surface, because it turns out that neoclassical poloidal flow-damping is not strong enough to completely suppress changes in the poloidal velocity. Finally, the model accurately calculates changes in the poloidal and toroidal plasma angular velocity profiles by evolving the full angular equations of motion, taking the electromagnetic braking torque, plasma inertia, plasma viscosity, and poloidal flow-damping into account. The time required for the 2/1 tearing mode to grow from a small amplitude to a sufficient one to lock to the walls is found to be about 3.5 s. As a result, the critical full radial island width at which wall locking is triggered is found to be about 9% of the plasma minor radius.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

High temperature inelastic constitutive models for the ASME Section III, Division 5 Class A materials

This report describes the exploration of a universal high temperature inelastic constitutive model for use with the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section III, Division 5, Class A design rules. The idea, developed based on feedback from reactor vendors, is to simplify the current bespoke material models for Grade 91, 316H, and Alloy 617 and the new model for Alloy 800H into a simple, single model form. The report describes a new parallel time integration technique implemented in the pyoptmat package which allowed us to explore a wide variety of model forms, searching for a suitable common model. The report then describes preliminary work on models for monontonic deformation and then the development of a set of models suitable for capturing high temperature cyclic deformation. These models are suitable for use with the ASME design rules, except potentially for a narrow, material-specific band of temperatures at the edge of the creep regime. An incremental improvement the current models could overcome this discrepancy and provide a new, simpler set of constitutive model for all four materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High expression of PSF1 promotes drug resistance and cell cycle transit in leukemia cells

Abstract Escape of cancer cells from chemotherapy is a problem in the management of cancer patients. Research on chemotherapy resistance has mainly focused on the heterogeneity of cancer cells, multiple gene mutations, and quiescence of malignant cancer cells. However, some studies have indicated that interactions between cancer cells and vascular cells promote resistance to chemotherapy. Here, we established mouse leukemia models using the cell lines THP‐1 or MEG‐1. These were derived from acute and chronic myeloid leukemias, respectively, and highly expressed DNA replication factor PSF1, a member of the GINS complex. We found that, after anti‐cancer drug administration, surviving GFP‐positive leukemia cells in the bone marrow were located adjacent to blood vessels, as previously reported in a subcutaneous solid tumor transplantation model. Treating THP‐1 and MEG‐1 cells with anti‐cancer drugs in vitro revealed that those most strongly expressing PSF1 were most chemoresistant, suggesting that PSF1 induces not only cell cycle progression but also facilitates cell survival. Indeed, when PSF1 expression was suppressed by shRNA, the growth rate was reduced and cell death was enhanced in both cell lines. Furthermore, PSF1 knockdown in leukemia cells led to a change in their location at a distance from the blood vessels in a bone marrow transplantation model. These findings potentially reflect a mechanism of escape of leukemic cells from chemotherapy and suggest that PSF1 may be a possible therapeutic target to enhance the effect of chemotherapy.

Hsieh, Han‐Yun↗

Reliability of COPVs Accounting for Margin of Safety on Design Burst

In this paper, the stress rupture reliability of Carbon/Epoxy Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs) is examined utilizing the classic Phoenix model and accounting for the differences between the design and the actual burst pressure, and the liner contribution effects. Stress rupture life primarily depends upon the fiber stress ratio which is defined as the ratio of stress in fibers at the maximum expected operating pressure to actual delivered fiber strength. The actual delivered fiber strength is calculated using the actual burst pressures of vessels established through burst tests. However, during the design phase the actual burst pressure is generally not known and to estimate the reliability of the vessels calculations are usually performed based upon the design burst pressure only. Since the design burst is lower than the actual burst, this process yields a much higher value for the stress ratio and consequently a conservative estimate for the reliability. Other complications arise due to the fact that the actual burst pressure and the liner contributions have inherent variability and therefore must be treated as random variables in order to compute the stress rupture reliability. Furthermore, the model parameters, which have to be established based on stress rupture tests of subscale vessels or coupons, have significant variability as well due to limited available data and hence must be properly accounted for. In this work an assessment of reliability of COPVs including both parameter uncertainties and physical variability inherent in liner and overwrap material behavior is made and estimates are provided in terms of degree of uncertainty in the actual burst pressure and the liner load sharing.

Murthy, Pappu L.N.↗

Cracking of a layered medium on an elastic foundation under thermal shock

The cladded pressure vessel under thermal shock conditions which is simulated by using two simpler models was studied. The first model (Model 1) assumes that, if the crack size is very small compared to the vessel thickness, the problem can be treated as a semi-infinite elastic medium bonded to a very thin layer of different material. However, if the crack size is of the same order as the vessel thickness, the curvature effects may not be negligible. In this case it is assumed that the relatively thin walled hollow cylinder with cladding can be treated as a composite beam on an elastic foundation (Model 2). In both models, the effect of surface cooling rate is studied by assuming the temperature boundary condition to be a ramp function. The calculated results include the transient temperature, thermal stresses in the uncracked medium and stress intensity factors which are presented as a function of time, and the duration of cooling ramp. The stress intensity factors are also presented as a function of the size and the location of the crack. The problem is solved for two bonded materials of different thermal and mechanical properties. The mathematical formulation results in two singular integral equations which are solved numerically. The results are given for two material pairs, namely an austenitic steel layer welded on a ferritic steel substrate, and a ceramic coating on ferritic steel. In the case of the yielded clad, the stress intensity factors for a crack under the clad are determined by using a plastic strip model and are compared with elastic clad results.

Rizk, Abd El-Fattah A.↗

Geometrically nonlinear analysis of laminated elastic structures

Laminated composite plates and shells that can be used to model automobile bodies, aircraft wings and fuselages, and pressure vessels among many other were analyzed. The finite element method, a numerical technique for engineering analysis of structures, is used to model the geometry and approximate the solution. Various alternative formulations for analyzing laminated plates and shells are developed and their finite element models are tested for accuracy and economy in computation. These include the shear deformation laminate theory and degenerated 3-D elasticity theory for laminates.

Reddy, J. N.↗

Use of ultrasound in altitude decompression modeling

A model that predicts the probability of developing decompression sickness (DCS) with various denitrogenation schedules is being developed by the Armstrong Laboratory, using human data from previous exposures. It was noted that refinements are needed to improve the accuracy and scope of the model. A commercially developed ultrasonic echo imaging system is being used in this model development. Using this technique, bubbles images from a subject at altitude can be seen in the gall bladder, hepatic veins, vena cava, and chambers of the heart. As judged by their motion and appearance in the vena cava, venous bubbles near the heart range in size from 30 to 300 M. The larger bubbles skim along the top, whereas the smaller ones appear as faint images near the bottom of the vessel. Images from growing bubbles in a model altitude chamber indicate that they grow rapidly, going from 20 to 100 M in 3 sec near 30,000 ft altitude. Information such as this is valuable in verifying those aspects of the DCS model dealing with bubble size, their growth rate, and their site of origin.

Olson, Robert M.↗

Microgravity Effects on Transendothelial Transport

The Endothelial Cell (EC) layer which lines blood vessels from the aorta to the capillaries provides the principal barrier to transport of water and solutes between blood and underlying tissue. Endothelial cells are continuously exposed to the mechanical shearing force (shear stress) and normal force (pressure) imposed by flowing blood on their surface, and they are adapted to this mechanical environment. When the cardiovascular system is exposed to microgravity, the mechanical environmental of endothelial cells is perturbed drastically and the transport properties of EC layers are altered in response. We have shown recently that step changes in shear stress have an acute effect on transport properties of EC layers in a cell culture model, and several recent studies in different vessels of live animals have confirmed the shear-dependent transport properties of the endothelium. We hypothesize that alterations in mechanical forces induced by microgravity and their resultant influence on transendothelial transport of water and solutes are, in large measure, responsible for the characteristic cephalad fluid shift observed in humans experiencing microgravity. To study the effects of altered mechanical forces on transendothelial transport and to test pharmacologic agents as counter measures to microgravity induced fluid shifts we have proposed ground-based studies using well defined cell culture models.

Tarbell, John M.↗

Mathematical modelling of the human cardiovascular system in the presence of stenosis

This paper reports a theoretical study on the distribution of blood flow in the human cardiovascular system when one or more blood vessels are affected by stenosis. The analysis employs a mathematical model of the entire system based on the finite element method. The arterial-venous network is represented by a large number of interconnected segments in the model. Values for the model parameters are based upon the published data on the physiological and rheological properties of blood. Computational results show how blood flow through various parts of the cardiovascular system is affected by stenosis in different blood vessels. No significant changes in the flow parameters of the cardiovascular system were found to occur when the reduction in the lumen diameter of the stenosed vessels was less than 65%.

NASA Program Data Analysis↗

NASA Engineering and Safety Center Technical Bulletin No. 14-03: COPV Mechanical Model Validation

Global and local deformation measurements should be incorporated into the composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV) design and analysis process to allow correlation of these measurements with finite element analysis (FEA) models. This correlation improves understanding of liner, liner/overwrap interface, and composite deformation response in COPVs. The improved accuracy reduces error in subsequent analyses, such as fracture, fatigue, and stress rupture that are critical for COPV qualification.

Composite Overwrap Pressure Vehicle↗

PKC Isoform Expression in Modeled Microgravity

Our previous studies showed that modeled (MMG) and true (USA Space Shuttle Missions STS-54 and STS-56) microgravity (MG) inhibit human lymphocyte locomotion, Modeled MG also suppressed polyclonal and antigen-specific lymphocyte activation. Activation of PKC by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) restored the microgravity-inhibited lymphocyte locomotion as well as activation by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), whereas calcium ionophore (ionomycin) was unable to restore these functions. Based on these results we hypothesized that MG-induced changes in lymphocyte functions are caused by a fundamental defect in signal transduction mechanism. This defect may be localized either at the PKC level or upstream of PKC, most likely, at the cell membrane level. In this study we examined the expression of PKC isoforms alpha, epsilon and delta in PBMC cultured in rotating wall vessel bioreactor, developed at NASA JSC, which models microgravity by sustaining cells in continuous free fall. The assessment of the isoforms was performed by FACS analysis following cell permeabilization. A decrease in the expression of isoforms epsilon and delta, but not isoform a, was observed in PBMC cultured in microgravity conditions. These data suggest that MMG might selectively affect the expression of Ca2+ independent isoforms of PKC Molecular analysis confirm selective suppression of Ca2+ independent isoforms of PKC.

Risin, Diana↗

On component isolation of conceptual advanced reactors

Implementation of component isolation in nuclear industry is challenging due to gaps in research and the lack of specific guidelines. In this study, parameters affecting component-level isolation of advanced reactor vessels are identified based on a representative numerical model with explicit consideration of nonlinear soil-structure interaction (SSI). The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of, and to identify potential limitations of using conventional friction pendulum and lead-rubber bearings to seismically isolate vessels. It is found that slender vessels or components are particularly vulnerable to rotational accelerations at the isolation interface, which are caused by rotation of the sub-structure and by excitation of higher modes in the horizontal direction of the seismically isolated system. Component isolation is found to be more effective for relatively stiffer vessels and at sites with stiff soil properties. Considering that conventional isolators are deficient in resisting axial tension, it is observed that the optimum location for supporting a component to achieve seismic isolation, is at a cross-sectional plane passing through the center of mass of the vessel. These findings are corroborated by numerous simulations of the response of seismically isolated reactor vessels at different nuclear sites subject to a variety of ground motions.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Modified 316H constitutive model updated with high temperature stress relaxation test data

This report describes the calibration of a new high temperature constitutive model for 316H stainless steel, suitable for use with the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Section III, Division 5, Class A rules for design by inelastic analysis. The model retains the same mathematical form used by the reference model included in Nonmandatory Appendix Z of the Code, but refits the model to an expanded dataset including all the data used to fit the original model plus seven new stress relaxation tests. The addition of these high temperature stress relaxation tests improves the model's accuracy in predicting relaxation at temperatures greater than 700 ⁰C, without compromising the accuracy of the model versus the original calibration data.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗