Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “stress-strain curves”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 records

Tensile and pack compressive tests of some sheets of aluminum alloy, 1025 carbon steel, and chromium-nickel steel

Tensile and compressive stress-strain curves, stress-deviation curves, and secant modulus-stress curves are given for longitudinal and transverse specimens of 17S-T, 24S-T, and 24S-RT aluminum-alloy sheet in thicknesses from 0.032 to 0.081 inch, 1025 carbon steel sheet in thicknesses of 0.054 and 0.120 inch, and chromium-nickel steel sheet in thicknesses form 0.020 to 0.0275 inch. Significant differences were found between the tensile and the compressive stress-strain curves, and also the corresponding corollary curves; similarly, differences were found between the curves for the longitudinal and transverse directions. These differences are of particular importance in considering the compressive strength of aircraft structures made of thin sheet. They are explored further for the case of compression by giving tangent modulus-stress curves in longitudinal and transverse compression and dimensionless curves of the ratio of tangent modulus to Young's modulus and of the ratio of reduced modulus for a rectangular section to Young's modulus, both plotted against the ratio of stress to secant yield strength.

Atchison, C S↗

Physically constrained 3D diffusion for inverse design of fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials

Designing fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) with a tailored nonlinear stress-strain response is crucial for applications such as energy absorption in crash structures, flexible robotics, and impact-resistant protective gear. However, the inherent complexities of composite materials and the multitude of parameters involved, render traditional design and optimization methods inadequate for achieving effective inverse design of composites. In this paper, we present an AI-based inverse design framework that effectively and efficiently generates FRPCs with targeted nonlinear stress-strain responses. We introduce a physically constrained diffusion model (PC3D_Diffusion) capable of managing the complexities of composite materials and producing detailed, high-quality designs. We propose a loss-guided, learning-free approach to generate physically feasible microstructure designs by explicitly enforcing physical constraints during the generation process. For training purposes, 1.35 million FRPC samples were created, and their corresponding stress-strain curves were computed using established physics-based computational models. The results show that PC3D_Diffusion consistently generates high-quality designs with tailored mechanical behaviors, while guaranteeing compliance with the physical constraints. PC3D_Diffusion advances FRPC inverse design and may facilitate the inverse design of other 3D materials, offering potential applications in industries reliant on materials with custom mechanical properties.

Xu, Pei [Clemson Univ., SC (United States)]↗

Critical mineral substitutions in IN617: A combined computational and experimental approach to performance evaluation and feasibility

Addressing the escalating demand for critical minerals (CMs) driven by global climate change initiatives, this study explores compositional modifications to Inconel 617 (IN617) by substituting cobalt (Co) with manganese (Mn) across various atomic percentages. Here, we conducted a computational feasibility study employing Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations to provide strategic guidance for experimental validation. The simulations analyzed tensile strength and corrosion resistance for five modified compositions (M1 to M5) to identify optimal properties. Tensile tests on cubic simulation cells were performed to generate stress-strain curves, revealing the impact of Co replacement with Mn on tensile strength—a metric correlated with hardness. Oxygen penetration simulations were conducted to evaluate corrosion resistance, indicating that reduced oxygen penetration depth corresponds to enhanced resistance. Promising compositions underwent phase diagram calculations for assessing phase stability. The optimal composition (M1), characterized by high tensile strength and minimal oxygen penetration, was chosen for experimental validation using induction melting and friction stir consolidation techniques. The materials were further characterized using SEM-EDS, XRD, and Vickers hardness testing. Our findings suggest that Mn substitution in IN617 can yield mechanical performance at par with high-Co alloys in energy-critical applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Inverse design of cellular structures with the targeted nonlinear mechanical response

Advanced additive manufacturing capabilities have enabled a transformational ability to create sophisticated cellular structures using diverse materials. By altering the topology of the unit cell, the mechanical behavior, such as the stress-strain response during compression, can be modulated. Nevertheless, identifying a printable topology within an enormous design space that would precisely deliver the targeted nonlinear material response is challenging. We propose a data-driven generative framework based on a conditional variational autoencoder (cVAE) architecture that can inverse design the cellular structure based on the intended nonlinear stress-strain response. Trained on a dataset of structure-property pairs, the cVAE learns a compact and expressive latent space that enables efficient mapping from targets to feasible geometries. Two inference modes are explored: (1) decoder-only generation, which enables the exploration of diverse designs conditioned solely on the desired mechanical response, and (2) encoder-decoder generation, which further allows for the incorporation of desired topologies, ensuring the generated structure conforms to both mechanical properties and to desired-topology constraints. The results demonstrate that the model can generate structurally plausible and mechanically accurate designs, with the predicted stress-strain curves closely matching the targets. Even under joint conditioning, the model effectively balances geometric fidelity and functional performance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Brittle failure analysis and modeling of high-burnup PWR fuel cladding alloys

The aim of this research is the development of methods for predicting mechanical behavior and identification of limiting conditions to prevent brittle failure of high-burnup (HBU) pressure water reactor (PWR) fuel cladding alloys. A finite element (FE) model of the ring compression test (RCT) was created to analyze the failure behavior of zirconium-based alloys with radial hydrides during the RCT. An elastic-plastic material model describes the zirconium alloy. The stress-strain curve needed for the elastic-plastic material model was derived by inverse finite element analyses. Cohesive zone modeling is used to reproduce sudden load drops during RCT loading. Based on the failure mechanism in non-irradiated ZIRLO (R) claddings, a micro-mechanical model was developed that distinguishes between brittle failure along hydrides and ductile failure of the zirconium matrix. Two different cohesive laws representing these types of failure are present in the same cohesive interface. The key differences between these constitutive laws are the cohesive strength, the stress at which damage initiates, and the cohesive energy, which is the damage energy dissipated by the cohesive zone. Statistically generated matrix-hydride distributions were mapped onto the cohesive elements and simulations with focus on the first load drop were performed. Computational results are in good agreement with the RCT results conducted on high-burnup M5 (R) samples. It could be shown that crack initiation and propagation strongly depend on the specific configuration of hydrides and matrix material in the fracture area.

Simbruner, Kai↗

T3tris: AI-Driven Inverse Design of Cellular Materials

Los Alamos National Laboratory has developed T3tris, a generative AI platform that enables real-time inverse design of architected cellular materials. This capability transforms how mechanical metamaterials are designed by generating microstructural topologies that conform to target nonlinear stress-strain curves, even at high compressive strain (up to 50%).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The Lateral Instability of Deep Rectangular Beams

Experimental and analytical studies were made of solid and hollow deep rectangular beams to study their lateral instability under various conditions of loading and restraint. The tests were made on bars and tubes of 17ST aluminum alloy. Failure by lateral buckling occurred only in tests on the solid beams. It was found that, within the elastic range, the test results were in agreement with the classical theory for the lateral buckling of deep beams as given by Prandtl, Mitchell, and Timoshenko. The tests were extended to the inelastic range, where it was found that the substitution for Young's modulus of an average modulus of elasticity derived from the stress-strain curve made it possible to predict instability at high stresses.

Dumont, C↗

A Subpress for Compressive Tests

A subpress for compressive tests is described. The subpress was designed primarily for use in developing and investigating methods for testing thin sheet metal in compression. Provision was made for testing fixed-end and flat-end specimens with or without various types of lateral support against buckling. Compressive stress-strain data for a sheet of 0.032-inch 24S-RT aluminum alloy were obtained with the subpress by the pack method and by the single-thickness method. The data showed small scatter and the stress-strain curves obtained by the two methods were in close agreement.

Aitchison, C S↗

Influence of Processing Parameters on the Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Borosilicate Particulate Reinforced Polymer Composites

Emerging composite materials are expanding the potential of additive manufacturing and enabling applications previously restricted by traditional manufacturing methods. The multi-phase nature of these composite materials combined with the complex in-ternal geometry of additively manufactured parts have enabled unique behavior, and potentially new applications. Additionally, these materials can be pyrolyzed to create dense metal, ceramic, and glass parts with geometries typically not achievable by tra-ditional processes. Additive manufacturing of borosilicate glass-based systems can open new applications in nuclear engineering, astronomy, and bone regrowth therapy. To elucidate the process-parameter relationship of borosilicate-polylactic acid (PLA) composites, mechanical testing was conducted and compared with a pure polylactic acid polymer baseline. Test specimens were fabricated by fused-filament fabrication with minimal post-processing. Yield strength, ultimate strength, and elastic modulus were calculated from stress-strain curves. Optical and scanning electron microscopy were conducted to observe the specimen microstructure before and after testing. The highest compressive yield strength for the composite was 28.22 MPa, and the highest compressive yield strength for PLA was 49.30 MPa. Print orientation was found to benefit the composite material but have a detrimental effect on the pure matrix material. An elastic modulus of 2.66 GPa was recorded for the borosilicate-PLA composite at 100% infill, 1 shell wall, and layer lines parallel to compression axis. Microscopy revealed that lower modulus composite specimens had the particulates re-distributed within the matrix. Tensile testing was done according to a polymer testing standard, which caused difficulties obtaining consistent fracture within the gauge length.

mechanical testing↗

Atomistic Investigation of Plastic Deformation and Dislocation Motion in Uranium Mononitride

Uranium mononitride (UN) is a promising advanced nuclear fuel due to its high thermal conductivity and high fissile density. However, many aspects of its mechanical behavior, particularly at reactor-relevant conditions, remain unclear. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to investigate the deformation behavior and dislocation motion in UN. We found that the Kocevski potential predicts the principal slip system as $\frac{1}{2}$ $\langle110\rangle${110}, aligning with experimental data. On the other hand, the Tseplyaev potential predicts slip to primarily occur on $\frac{1}{2}$ $\langle110\rangle${111}. MD simulations of stress–strain behavior were used to estimate the nanoindentation hardness, revealing that the Kocevski potential accurately predicts hardness even though it fails to model dynamic plasticity. Complete dislocation mobility functions have been fitted for the edge and screw dislocations in both the thermally activated and phonon-drag regimes. The 300 K linear mobility of the edge dislocation using the Tseplyaev potential was found to be 817 Pa -1 ·s -1 , whereas that of the screw dislocation using the Kocevski potential was found to be 4546 Pa -1 ·s -1 . At intermediate stresses, we observed that the subsonic steady-state motion of the edge dislocation in UN is intermittently interrupted by velocity jumps, reaching the average sound velocity. Finally, the threshold Schmid stress is calculated as 179–197 MPa, which gives an upper-limit estimate of the uniaxial yield stress of polycrystalline UN of 548–603 MPa. These findings, including the fitted dislocation mobility function, provide essential input for future plasticity and dislocation dynamics models of nuclear fuels.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

An Investigation of Sheet-stiffener Panels Subjected to Compression Loads with Particular Reference to Torsionally Weak Stiffeners

A total of 183 panel specimens of 24ST aluminum alloy with nominal thickness of 0.020, and 0.040 inch with extruded bulb-angle sections of 12 shapes spaced 4 and 5 inches as stiffeners were tested to obtain the buckling stress and the amplitude of the maximum wave when buckled. Bulb angles from 3 to 27 1/2 inches long were tested as pin-end columns. The experimental data are presented as stress-strain and column curves and in tabular form. Some comparisons with theoretical results are presented. Analytical methods are developed that make it possible for the designer to predict with reasonable accuracy the buckling stress and the maximum-wave amplitude of the sheet in stiffened-panel combinations. The scope of the tests was insufficient to formulate general design criteria but the results are presented as a guide for design and an indication of the type of theoretical and experimental work that is needed.

LOADS - COLUMNS↗

Tensile properties of AZ11A-0 magnesium-alloy sheet under rapid-heating and constant temperature

Specimens of AZ31A-0 magnesium alloy sheet were heated to rupture at nominal rates of 0.2 F to 100 F per second under constant tensile load conditions. The data are presented and compared with the results of conventional tensile stress-strain tests at elevated temperatures after 1.2-hour exposure. A temperature-rate parameter was used to construct master curves from which stresses and temperatures for yield and rupture can be predicted under rapid-heating conditions. A comparison of the elevated-temperature tensile properties of AZ31A-0 and HK31XA-H24 magnesium-alloy sheet under both constant-temperature and rapid-heating conditions is included.

MATERIALS, PROPERTIES - THERMAL↗

Tensile elastic properties of 18:8 chromium-nickel steel as affected by plastic deformation

The relationship between stress and strain, and between stress and permanent set, for 18:8 alloy as affected by prior plastic deformation is discussed. Hysteresis and creep and their effects on the stress-strain and stress-set curves are also considered, as well as the influence of duration of the rest interval after cold work and the influence of plastic deformation on proof stresses, on the modulus of elasticity at zero stress, and on the curvature of the stress-strain line. A constant (c sub 1) is suggested to represent the variation of the modulus of elasticity with stress.

Mcadam, D J↗

Normal-pressure Tests of Circular Plates with Clamped Edges

A fixture is described for making normal-pressure tests of flat plates 5 inches in diameter in which particular care was taken to obtain rigid clamping at the edges. Results are given for 19 plates, ranging in thickness from 0.015 to 0.072 inch. The center deflections and the extreme-fiber stresses at low pressures were found to agree with theoretical values; the center deflections at high pressures were 4 to 12 percent greater than the theoretical values. Empirical curves are derived of the pressure for the beginning of permanent set as a function of the dimensions of the plate and the tensile properties of the material.

CIRCULAR↗

Work Hardening Model of Structure in Hall-Petch Strengthening

The microstructural length scale of metals changes by orders of magnitude under extreme processing conditions producing a concurrent wide range of mechanical strength and plasticity behaviors. A unified stress-strain σε σ(ε) model is formulated that’s based on superposing the components of asymptotic-curvilinear work hardening Θσ Θ(σ) to qualify and quantify these mechanical behaviors. This approach accounts for the rapid strengthening of metals beyond the initial yield point, through extended steady-state deformation, to the structural instability. The relationship between the softening coefficients cbi c bi of the work hardening formulation Θσ Θ(σ) and strength are found to reveal the microstructural scale in the material. Specifically, the rapid decrease in the slope of the Θσ Θ(σ) curve provides a measure for microstructural size consistent with a functional Hall-Petch relationship of strength. A successful application is shown for the tensile behavior of pure aluminum microstructures that result from extreme plastic deformation by equal-channel angle pressing.

Hall-Petch strengthening↗