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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2024

Foam With Direction: Unraveling the Anisotropic Radiation Shielding Properties of 2D Boron Nitride Nanoplatelet Foams

Neutron radiation exposure is one of the main challenges faced during space missions. There is a critical need for advanced lightweight radiation shielding materials. Two-dimensional (2D) boron nitride nanoplatelets (BNNP) are excellent candidates for polymer matrix nanofillers due to their superior neutron shielding and thermal and mechanical properties. Furthermore, the 2D material anisotropic behavior unlocks the potential for composite property tailoring. This study fabricated ultra- lightweight lamellar BNNP foams (density 0.05 g cm –3 and 97.5% porous) via freeze-drying processing. The neutron shielding effectiveness or mass absorption coefficient of the BNNP foams with walls perpendicular to the direction of the radiation source was 14.47 cm 2 g –1 , while that of the foam with parallel configuration was only 8.51 cm 2 g –1 . The orientation-dependent neutron radiation shielding properties were modeled using the Beer-Lambert law for porous composite materials. The BNNP foam in this study has the potential to benefit advanced tailorable radiation shielding technologies for future aerospace missions.

Radiation shielding↗
NASA NTRS2003

The Effect of Chemical Functionalization on Mechanical Properties of Nanotube/Polymer Composites

The effects of the chemical functionalization of a carbon nanotube embedded in a nanotube/polyethylene composite on the bulk elastic properties are presented. Constitutive equations are established for both functionalized and non-functionalized nanotube composites systems by using an equivalent-continuum modeling technique. The elastic properties of both composites systems are predicted for various nanotube lengths, volume fractions, and orientations. The results indicate that for the specific composite material considered in this study, most of the elastic stiffness constants of the functionalized composite are either less than or equal to those of the non-functionalized composite.

Odegard, G. M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Correlations of norbornenyl crosslinked polyimide resin structures with resin thermo-oxidative stability, resin glass transition temperature and composite initial mechanical properties

PMR (polymerization of monomeric reactants) methodology was used to prepare 70 different polyimide oligomeric resins and 30 different unidirectional graphite fiber/polyimide composites. Monomeric composition as well as chain length between sites of crosslinks were varied to examine their effects on resin thermo-oxidative stability and glass transition temperature (Tg) of the cured/postcured resins. A linear correlation of decreasing 316 C resin weight loss/surface area versus (1) decreasing aliphatic content, or (2) increasing benzylic/aliphatic content stoichiometry ratio over a wide range of resin compositions was observed. An almost linear correlation of Tg versus molecular distance between the crosslinks was also observed. An attempt was made to correlate Tg with initial composite mechanical properties (flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength). However, the scatter in mechanical strength data prevented obtaining a clear correlation. Instead, only a range of composite mechanical properties was obtained at 25, 288, and 316 C. Perhaps more importantly, what did become apparent during the correlation study was (1) the PMR methodology could be used to prepare composites from resins containing a wide variety of monomer modifications, (2) that these composites almost invariably provided satisfactory initial mechanical properties as long as the resins formulated exhibited satisfactory processing flow, and (3) that PMR resins exhibited predictable rates of 316 C weight loss/surface area based on their benzylic/aliphatic stoichiometery ratio.

Alston, William B.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Properties and applications of a pitch carbon microsphere composite

Some properties and applications of a pitch carbon microsphere composite are described. The small hollow microspheres are made from the pitch which is usually a wasted by-product of petroleum refining. In contrast to high density composites or syntactic foams in which microspheres are inclusions within a continuous matrix, this composite is an aggregate of microspheres bonded together by a small amount of thermosetting polymer which does not form a continuous matrix. The result is a composite with low density and thermal expansion, modest strength and rigidity, and high porosity and carbon content. Mechanical, thermal, and sorption properties have been measured. Applications of the composite include honeycomb filler for high temperature or ionizing radiation fields and a wicking absorber for solar-powered stills.

Price, H. L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Characterization of PMR polyimide resin and prepreg

Procedures for the chemical characterization of PMR-15 resin solutions and graphite-reinforced prepregs were developed, and a chemical data base was established. In addition, a basic understanding of PMR-15 resin chemistry was gained; this was translated into effective processing procedures for the production of high quality graphite composites. During the program the PMR monomers and selected model compounds representative of postulated PMR-15 solution chemistry were acquired and characterized. Based on these data, a baseline PMR-15 resin was formulated and evaluated for processing characteristics and composite properties. Commercially available PMR-15 resins were then obtained and chemically characterized. Composite panels were fabricated and evaluated.

Lindenmeyer, P. H.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Investigation of Structural Properties of Carbon-Epoxy Composites Using Fiber-Bragg Gratings

Fiber Bragg-gratings are embedded in carbon-epoxy laminates as well as bonded on the surface of cylindrical structures fabricated out of such composites. Structural properties of such composites is investigated. The measurements include stress-strain relation in laminates and Poisson's ratio in several specimens with varying orientation of the optical fiber Bragg-sensor with respect to the carbon fiber in an epoxy matrix. Additionally, Bragg gratings are bonded on the surface of cylinders fabricated out of carbon-epoxy composites and longitudinal and hoop strain on the surface is measured.

Grant, J.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Quantifying Uncertainties in the Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Particulate Reinforced Composites

The present paper reports results from a computational simulation of probabilistic particulate reinforced composite behavior. The approach consists use of simplified micromechanics of particulate reinforced composites together with a Fast Probability Integration (FPI) technique. Sample results are presented for a Al/SiC(sub p)(silicon carbide particles in aluminum matrix) composite. The probability density functions for composite moduli, thermal expansion coefficient and thermal conductivities along with their sensitivity factors are computed. The effect of different assumed distributions and the effect of reducing scatter in constituent properties on the thermal expansion coefficient are also evaluated. The variations in the constituent properties that directly effect these composite properties are accounted for by assumed probabilistic distributions. The results show that the present technique provides valuable information about the scatter in composite properties and sensitivity factors, which are useful to test or design engineers.

Mital, Subodh K.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Effects of thermal and environmental exposure on the mechanical properties of graphite/polyimide composites

Composites were exposed in circulating and static air environments up to 589 K for a maximum of 1000 hours. Composites of HT-S, HM-S, Thornel 50S, and Fortafil 5-Y fiber and a new addition type polyimide resin were laminated in a matched-die mold. Flexural strengths, flexural modulus, and interlaminar shear strengths were determined at 297, 533, and 598 K after various durations of exposure. Composite and fiber weight loss characteristics were determined by isothermal gravimetric analysis in air. Properties of composites exposed and tested at the environment temperatures were compared with those determined under short-term exposure. A new short beam interlaminar shear fixture is described. Environmental effects of long-term ambient temperature exposure on the elevated temperature mechanical properties of graphite/polyimide composites are presented.

Hanson, M. P.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Effects of thermal and environmental exposure on the mechanical properties of graphite/polyimide composites.

Composites were exposed in circulating and static air environments up to 600 F for a maximum of 1000 hours. Composites of HT-S, HM-S, Thornel 50S, and Fortafil 5-Y fiber and a new addition type polyimide resin were laminated in a matched-die mold. Flexural strength, flexural modulus, and interlaminar shear strengths were determined at 75, 500 and 600 F after various durations of exposure. Composite and fiber weight loss characteristics were determined by isothermal gravimetric analysis in air. Properties of composites exposed and tested at the environment temperatures are compared with those determined under short-term exposure. A new short beam interlaminar shear fixture is described. Environmental effects of long-term (up to one year) ambient temperature exposure on the elevated temperature mechanical properties of graphite/polyimide composites are presented.

Hanson, M. P.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Advanced composites in sailplane structures: Application and mechanical properties

Advanced Composites in sailplanes mean the use of carbon and aramid fibers in an epoxy matrix. Weight savings were in the range of 8 to 18% in comparison with glass fiber structures. The laminates will be produced by hand-layup techniques and all material tests were done with these materials. These values may be used for calculation of strength and stiffness, as well as for comparison of the materials to get a weight-optimum construction. Proposals for material-optimum construction are mentioned.

Muser, D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Computer aided derivation of equations for composite mechanics problems and finite element analyses

Explicit equations are derived for analysis of multilayered fiber composites and for finite element analyses. The equations are obtained using a symbolic program and tested for various composite properties as well as for different fiber orientations. In order to analyze multilayered fiber composite structures, a variable thickness finite element is formulated. Examples of an airfoil geometry, simulated in a form of a cantilevered beam with various fiber orientations are studied.

Sarigul, N.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Characterization of elastic-plastic properties of AS4/APC-2 thermoplastic composite

Elastic and inelastic properties of AS4/APC-2 composites were characterized with respect to temperature variation by using a one-parameter orthotropic plasticity model and a one parameter failure criterion. Simple uniaxial off-axis tension tests were performed on coupon specimens of unidirectional AS4/APC-2 thermoplastic composite at various temperatures. To avoid the complication caused by the extension-shear coupling effect in off-axis testing, new tabs were designed and used on the test specimens. The experimental results showed that the nonlinear behavior of constitutive relations and the failure strengths can be characterized quite well using the one parameter plasticity model and the failure criterion, respectively.

Sun, C. T.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The effect of thermal exposure on the mechanical properties of aluminum-graphite composites

To promote the development of aluminum-graphite composites with improved properties for aerospace applications, composite samples were fabricated by solid-state diffusion bonding of liquid-phase Al-infiltrated Thornel 50 fibers, and their mechanical properties were measured at room temperature in the as-received condition, after temperature exposure and after thermal cycling. The interface structure in aluminum-graphite composites and its effect on the composite properties, the effect of thermal cycling on the tensile properties of the composites, and the characteristics of failures of the composites in tension is discussed. The studied composites exhibited tensile properties corresponding well with those predicted by the rule of mixtures. Thermal cycling between 20 C and 500 C, as well as the formation of the Al4C3 at the Al-graphite interfaces at temperatures above 500 C resulted in degradation of the composite strength. Scanning electron microscopy of fractured surfaces indicated that the relatively weak interface governs the mode of failure in tension.

Khan, I. H.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Tension, Compression, and Bend Properties for Sic/RBSN Composites

The room-temperature tension, compression, and bend properties of unidirectional SiC fiber-reinforced reaction-bonded silicon nitride composites (SiC/RBSN) have been investigated. The effects of fiber content on the modulus, first matrix cracking strength, and ultimate strength properties were determined. In tension, composites with greater than 8-percent fiber content showed strain capability beyond matrix fracture and fiber-dominated ultimate strength. In compression, the composites displayed essentially elastic behavior, and matrix-dominated ultimate strength. For both deformation modes, most mechanical properties increased with fiber content. In bend, the modulus, strength properties, and failure modes of the composites were influenced by span-to-thickness ratio.

Bhatt, Ramakrishna T.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Fibrous refractory composite insulation

Family of high-temperature, low-density refractory composite insulations made from aluminoborosilicate and silica fibers has insulating material with improved mechanical and thermal properties. Composition is useful for reusable heat-shield materials.

Goldstein, H. E.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Fiber reinforced glasses and glass-ceramics for high performance applications

The development of fiber reinforced glass and glass-ceramic matrix composites is described. The general concepts involved in composite fabrication and resultant composite properties are given for a broad range of fiber and matrix combinations. It is shown that composite materials can be tailored to achieve high levels of toughness, strength, and elastic stiffness, as well as wear resistance and dimensional stability.

Prewo, K. M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Continuous fiber ceramic matrix composites for heat engine components

High strength at elevated temperatures, low density, resistance to wear, and abundance of nonstrategic raw materials make structural ceramics attractive for advanced heat engine applications. Unfortunately, ceramics have a low fracture toughness and fail catastrophically because of overload, impact, and contact stresses. Ceramic matrix composites provide the means to achieve improved fracture toughness while retaining desirable characteristics, such as high strength and low density. Materials scientists and engineers are trying to develop the ideal fibers and matrices to achieve the optimum ceramic matrix composite properties. A need exists for the development of failure models for the design of ceramic matrix composite heat engine components. Phenomenological failure models are currently the most frequently used in industry, but they are deterministic and do not adequately describe ceramic matrix composite behavior. Semi-empirical models were proposed, which relate the failure of notched composite laminates to the stress a characteristic distance away from the notch. Shear lag models describe composite failure modes at the micromechanics level. The enhanced matrix cracking stress occurs at the same applied stress level predicted by the two models of steady state cracking. Finally, statistical models take into consideration the distribution in composite failure strength. The intent is to develop these models into computer algorithms for the failure analysis of ceramic matrix composites under monotonically increasing loads. The algorithms will be included in a postprocessor to general purpose finite element programs.

Tripp, David E.↗