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At least 199 records · Page 11

Probabilistic and Possibilistic Analyses of the Strength of a Bonded Joint

The effects of uncertainties on the strength of a single lap shear joint are explained. Probabilistic and possibilistic methods are used to account for uncertainties. Linear and geometrically nonlinear finite element analyses are used in the studies. To evaluate the strength of the joint, fracture in the adhesive and material strength failure in the strap are considered. The study shows that linear analyses yield conservative predictions for failure loads. The possibilistic approach for treating uncertainties appears to be viable for preliminary design, but with several qualifications.

Stroud, W. Jefferson↗

C-Coupon Studies of CMCS: Fracture Behavior and Microstructural Characterization

A curved beam 'C-coupon' was used to assess fracture behavior in a Sylramic(tm)/melt infiltration (MI) SiC matrix composite. Failure stresses and fracture mechanisms, as determined by optical and scanning electron microstructural analysis, are compared with finite element stress calculations to analyze failure modes. Material microstructure was found to have a strong influence on mechanical behavior. Fracture occurs in interlaminar tension (ILT), provided that the ratio of ILT to tensile strength for the material is less than the ratio of radial to hoop stresses for the C-coupon geometry. Utilization of 3D architectures to improve interlaminar strength requires significant development efforts to incorporate through thickness fibers in regions with high curvatures while maintaining uniform thickness, radius, and microstructure.

Hurwitz, Frances I.↗

An Atomistic Simulation of Crack Propagation in a Nickel Single Crystal

The main objective of this paper is to determine mechanisms of crack propagation in a nickel single crystal. Motivation for selecting nickel as a case study is because we believe that its physical properties are very close to that of nickel-base super alloy. We are directed in identifying some generic trends that would lead a single crystalline material to failure. We believe that the results obtained here would be of interest to the experimentalists in guiding them to a more optimized experimental strategy. The dynamic crack propagation experiments are very difficult to do. We are partially motivated to fill the gap by generating the simulation results in lieu of the experimental ones for the cases where experiment can not be done or when the data is not available.

Majid Karimi↗

Development of Laser Fabricated Ti-6Al-4V

Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS) depositions with Ti-6Al-4V gas-atomized powder were accomplished at five different temperatures, ranging from 30 to 400 C, imposed on the base plate. These base plate temperatures were employed in an effort to relieve stresses which develop during the deposition. Warpage of the base plate was monitored. Only a slight decline in warpage was observed as the base plate temperature was increased. Results indicate that substrate temperatures closer to the stress relief minimum of 480 C would relieve deposition stresses, though process parameters would likely need to be modified to compensate for the higher base plate temperature. The compositions of the as-received powder and the LENS deposited material were chemically analyzed. The oxygen content of the LENS material was 0.154 wt.% which is less than the maximum impurity limit of 0.2 percent for commercial Ti-6Al-4V alloys, but is over the limit allowed in ELI grade (0.13 percent). The level of oxygen in the commercial base plate used was only 0.0635 percent. Tensile specimens were machined from the LENS deposited material and tested in tension at room temperature. The ultimate and yield tensile stresses of the LENS material were about 1200 and 1150 MPa respectively, which is about 20 percent higher than the strengths of wrought Ti-6Al-4V. The higher strength of the LENS material was due to its fine structure and high oxygen content. The LENS deposits were not fully dense; voids were frequent at the interfaces between deposited layers. These dispersed sheets of voids were parallel to the longitudinal axis of the resulting tensile specimens. Apparently there was sufficient continuous, fully dense material longitudinally to enable the high strengths. Ductility was low in the LENS material. Percent elongation at failure in the LENS material was near 4 percent, which is less than half of what is usually expected from Ti-6Al-4V. The low ductility was caused by high oxygen levels, and the presence of voids. It is likely that the relatively high scan speeds used in our depositions contributed to the lack of full density in our LENS material.

deGroh, Henry C., III↗

Tribological Prospects and Progress for NiTi Bearings for Aerospace Applications

Rolling element and sliding bearings made from dimensionally stable, nickel-rich NiTi alloys have been successfully manufactured, tested and applied in several different aerospace applications. In this presentation, the development history and material properties of NiTi alloys is reviewed and its behavior in sliding and rolling contacts is examined. Key material characteristics such as superelasticity and fracture toughness and their effects on bearing applications are considered. With proper application engineering, it is shown that NiTi bearings can resolve longstanding and persistent bearing problems related to heavy loads and operation in corrosive and debris contaminated environments.

Bearings↗

The role of damage-softened material behavior in the fracture of composites and adhesives

Failure mechanisms of materials under very high strains experienced at and ahead of the crack tip such as formation, growth, and interaction of microvoids in ductile materials, microcracks in brittle solids or crazes in polymers and adhesives are represented by one-dimensional, nonlinear stress-strain relations possessing different ways by which the material loses capacity to carry load up to fracture or total separation. A double cantilever beam (DCB) type specimen is considered. The nonlinear material is confined to a thin strip between the two elastic beams loaded by a wedge. The problem is first modeled as a beam on a nonlinear foundation. The pertinent equation is solved numerically as a two-point boundary value problem for both the stationary and the quasi-stationay propagating crack. A finite element model is then used to model the problem in more detail in order to assess the adequacy of the beam model for the reduction of experimental data to determine in-situ properties of the thin interlayer.

Ungsuwarungsri, T.↗

Bibliography of information on mechanics of structural failure (hydrogen embrittlement, protective coatings, composite materials, NDE)

This bibliography is comprised of approximately 1,600 reference citations related to four problem areas in the mechanics of failure in aerospace structures. The bibliography represents a search of the literature published in the period 1962-1976, the effort being largely limited to documents published in the United States. Listings are subdivided into the four problem areas: Hydrogen Embrittlement; Protective Coatings; Composite Materials; and Nondestructive Evaluation. An author index is included.

Carpenter, J. L., Jr.↗

Atomic Oxygen Effects

Atomic oxygen, which is the most predominant species in low Earth orbit, is highly reactive and can break chemical bonds on the surface of a wide variety of materials leading to volatilization or surface oxidation which can result in failure of spacecraft materials and components. This presentation will give an overview of how atomic oxygen reacts with spacecraft materials, results of space exposure testing of a variety of materials, and examples of failures caused by atomic oxygen.

Degradation↗

Component Characterization of an eVTOL Reference Model for Crashworthiness Studies

Researchers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center (LaRC) have conducted a series of structural component and seat level tests to improve finite element model (FEM) characterization of a representative vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) test article developed by NASA. A full-scale dynamic test was conducted on the representative eVTOL test article in November of 2022. The test article represented a high wing, six passenger eVTOL design concept and is referred to as the lift plus cruise (LPC) test article. The full-scale test identified limitations in the analytical models used to predict aircraft structural response, in particular the composite material models did not effectively capture brittle failure of the structure which were measured during dynamic loading. To better understand the mechanism behind the composite material failure mechanisms observed and to improve the FEM, intact sample specimens of the composite airframe structure were recovered from the test article post-test and used in material characterization testing. In addition, the seat configurations used in the LPC test article were further studied using isolated seat and anthropomorphic test device (ATD) drop tower testing. Dynamic compression tests and three-point bend tests, conducted at varied impact speeds, were performed on the recovered frame section specimens. Additional testing was conducted to characterize the material properties of the forming foam, which remained in the frames after fabrication. These tests were used to improve characterization of the damage and failure parameters of the composite material model used in the FE model of the LPC test article. Seat level tests were conducted on the seats used in the LPC test article using acceleration pulses inclusive of current general aviation and rotorcraft certification load levels as well as conditions representative of those measured at the seat base during the LPC test. The structural material models and seat environment models of the LPC test article FEM were calibrated using the generated component test data. The updates made to these models were then integrated into the LPC FEM and simulated in the full-scale test condition. Results demonstrated the effectiveness of component testing to improve predictive capability of composite aerospace structural models within the crash and dynamic loading environments. Demonstration of the LPC FEM response across an accumulation of coupon, component, seat environment, and full-scale test levels provides confidence in the predictive capability of this model for future use in the study of occupant safety within eVTOL relevant crash environments.

Craswhorthiness↗

Component Characterization of an eVTOL Reference Model for Crashworthiness Studies

Researchers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center (LaRC) have conducted a series of structural component and seat level tests to improve finite element model (FEM) characterization of a representative vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) test article developed by NASA. A full-scale dynamic test was conducted on the representative eVTOL test article in November of 2022. The test article represented a high wing, six passenger eVTOL design concept and is referred to as the lift plus cruise (LPC) test article. The full-scale test identified limitations in the analytical models used to predict aircraft structural response, in particular the composite material models did not effectively capture brittle failure of the structure which were measured during dynamic loading. To better understand the mechanism behind the composite material failure mechanisms observed and to improve the FEM, intact sample specimens of the composite airframe structure were recovered from the test article post-test and used in material characterization testing. In addition, the seat configurations used in the LPC test article were further studied using isolated seat and anthropomorphic test device (ATD) drop tower testing. Dynamic compression tests and three-point bend tests, conducted at varied impact speeds, were performed on the recovered frame section specimens. Additional testing was conducted to characterize the material properties of the forming foam, which remained in the frames after fabrication. These tests were used to improve characterization of the damage and failure parameters of the composite material model used in the FE model of the LPC test article. Seat level tests were conducted on the seats used in the LPC test article using acceleration pulses inclusive of current general aviation and rotorcraft certification load levels as well as conditions representative of those measured at the seat base during the LPC test. The structural material models and seat environment models of the LPC test article FEM were calibrated using the generated component test data. The updates made to these models were then integrated into the LPC FEM and simulated in the full-scale test condition. Results demonstrated the effectiveness of component testing to improve predictive capability of composite aerospace structural models within the crash and dynamic loading environments. Demonstration of the LPC FEM response across an accumulation of coupon, component, seat environment, and full-scale test levels provides confidence in the predictive capability of this model for future use in the study of occupant safety within eVTOL relevant crash environments.

Craswhorthiness↗

Enhanced Schapery Theory Software Development for Modeling Failure of Fiber-Reinforced Laminates

Progressive damage and failure analysis (PDFA) tools are needed to predict the nonlinear response of advanced fiber-reinforced composite structures. Predictive tools should incorporate the underlying physics of the damage and failure mechanisms observed in the composite, and should utilize as few input parameters as possible. The purpose of the Enhanced Schapery Theory (EST) was to create a PDFA tool that operates in conjunction with a commercially available finite element (FE) code (Abaqus). The tool captures the physics of the damage and failure mechanisms that result in the nonlinear behavior of the material, and the failure methodology employed yields numerical results that are relatively insensitive to changes in the FE mesh. The EST code is written in Fortran and compiled into a static library that is linked to Abaqus. A Fortran Abaqus UMAT material subroutine is used to facilitate the communication between Abaqus and EST. A clear distinction between damage and failure is imposed. Damage mechanisms result in pre-peak nonlinearity in the stress strain curve. Four internal state variables (ISVs) are utilized to control the damage and failure degradation. All damage is said to result from matrix microdamage, and a single ISV marks the micro-damage evolution as it is used to degrade the transverse and shear moduli of the lamina using a set of experimentally obtainable matrix microdamage functions. Three separate failure ISVs are used to incorporate failure due to fiber breakage, mode I matrix cracking, and mode II matrix cracking. Failure initiation is determined using a failure criterion, and the evolution of these ISVs is controlled by a set of traction-separation laws. The traction separation laws are postulated such that the area under the curves is equal to the fracture toughness of the material associated with the corresponding failure mechanism. A characteristic finite element length is used to transform the traction-separation laws into stress-strain laws. The ISV evolution equations are derived in a thermodynamically consistent manner by invoking the stationary principle on the total work of the system with respect to each ISV. A novel feature is the inclusion of both pre-peak damage and appropriately scaled, post-peak strain softening failure. Also, the characteristic elements used in the failure degradation scheme are calculated using the element nodal coordinates, rather than simply the square root of the area of the element.

Pineda, Evan J.↗

A Modeling Technique and Representation of Failure in the Analysis of Triaxial Braided Carbon Fiber Composites

Quasi-static tests have been performed on triaxially braided carbon fiber composite materials with large unit cell sizes. The effects of different fibers and matrix materials on the failure mode were investigated. Simulations of the tests have been performed using the transient dynamic finite element code, LS-DYNA. However, the wide range of failure modes observed for the triaxial braided carbon fiber composites during tests could not be simulated using composite material models currently available within LS-DYNA. A macroscopic approach has been developed that provides better simulation of the material response in these materials. This approach uses full-field optical measurement techniques to measure local failures during quasi-static testing. Information from these experiments is then used along with the current material models available in LS-DYNA to simulate the influence of the braided architecture on the failure process. This method uses two-dimensional shell elements with integration points through the thickness of the elements to represent the different layers of braid along with a new analytical method for the import of material stiffness and failure data directly. The present method is being used to examine the effect of material properties on the failure process. The experimental approaches used to obtain the required data will be described, and preliminary results of the numerical analysis will be presented.

Littell, Justin D.↗

A Modeling Technique and Representation of Failure in the Analysis of Triaxial Braided Carbon Fiber Composites

Quasi-static tests have been performed on triaxially braided carbon fiber composite materials with large unit cell sizes. The effects of different fibers and matrix materials on the failure mode were investigated. Simulations of the tests have been performed using the transient dynamic finite element code, LS-DYNA. However, the wide range of failure modes observed for the triaxial braided carbon fiber composites during tests could not be simulated using composite material models currently available within LS-DYNA. A macroscopic approach has been developed that provides better simulation of the material response in these materials. This approach uses full-field optical measurement techniques to measure local failures during quasi-static testing. Information from these experiments is then used along with the current material models available in LS-DYNA to simulate the influence of the braided architecture on the failure process. This method uses two-dimensional shell elements with integration points through the thickness of the elements to represent the different layers of braid along with a new analytical method for the import of material stiffness and failure data directly. The present method is being used to examine the effect of material properties on the failure process. The experimental approaches used to obtain the required data will be described, and preliminary results of the numerical analysis will be presented.

Littell, Justin D.↗

Application of Interface Technology in Progressive Failure Analysis of Composite Panels

A progressive failure analysis capability using interface technology is presented. The capability has been implemented in the COMET-AR finite element analysis code developed at the NASA Langley Research Center and is demonstrated on composite panels. The composite panels are analyzed for damage initiation and propagation from initial loading to final failure using a progressive failure analysis capability that includes both geometric and material nonlinearities. Progressive failure analyses are performed on conventional models and interface technology models of the composite panels. Analytical results and the computational effort of the analyses are compared for the conventional models and interface technology models. The analytical results predicted with the interface technology models are in good correlation with the analytical results using the conventional models, while significantly reducing the computational effort.

Sleight, D. W.↗

Failure Criterion For Isotropic Time Dependent Materials Which Accounts for Multi-Axial Loading

The Space Shuttle's Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) nozzle program has recently conducted testing to characterize the effects of multi-axial loading, temperature and time on the failure characteristics of TIGA321, EA913NA, EA946 (three filled epoxy adhesives). From the test data a "Multi-Axial, Temperature, and Time Dependent" or MATT failure criterion was developed. It is shown that this criterion simplifies, for constant load and constant load rate conditions, into a form that can be easily used for stress analysis. Failure for TIGA321 and EA913NA are characterized below their glass transition temperature. Failure for EA946 is characterized for conditions that pass through its glass transition. The MATT failure criterion is shown to be accurate for a wide range of conditions for these adhesives.

Richardson, D. E.↗

Status of Understanding for Bearing Materials

The structural materials and potential failure modes for high technology aircraft gas turbine bearings are reviewed. Among the failure modes discussed for iron-base through-hardened bearing materials are fatigue, surface distress, and corrosion. It is shown that the sub-surface initiated rolling-contact fatigue failure mode is reasonably well understood and in most cases can be controlled by proper material selection and design. Current bearing materials provide long life and high reliability in existing applications. A new generation of materials are being developed which will provide improved fracture toughness, better corrosion resistance, and a further extension of bearing fatigue life. Bearing problems due to surface distress, caused by a variety of surface and near surface anomalies, are less well understood. This area will require the implementation of an interdisciplinary effort to improve the level of understanding of metallic surface-lubricant reactions and interactions.

E N Bamberger↗

Development of a finite element based delamination analysis for laminates subject to extension, bending, and torsion

Delamination is a common failure mode of laminated composite materials. This type of failure frequently occurs at the free edges of laminates where singular interlaminar stresses are developed due to the difference in Poisson's ratios between adjacent plies. Typically the delaminations develop between 90 degree plies and adjacent angle plies. Edge delamination has been studied by several investigators using a variety of techniques. Recently, Chan and Ochoa applied the quasi-three-dimensional finite element model to the analysis of a laminate subject to bending, extension, and torsion. This problem is of particular significance relative to the structural integrity of composite helicopter rotors. The task undertaken was to incorporate Chan and Ochoa's formulation into a Raju Q3DG program. The resulting program is capable of modeling extension, bending, and torsional mechanical loadings as well as thermal and hygroscopic loadings. The addition of the torsional and bending loading capability will provide the capability to perform a delamination analysis of a general unsymmetric laminate containing four cracks, each of a different length. The solutions obtained using this program are evaluated by comparing them with solutions from a full three-dimensional finite element solution. This comparison facilitates the assessment of three dimensional affects such as the warping constraint imposed by the load frame grips. It wlso facilitates the evaluation of the external load representation employed in the Q3D formulation. Finally, strain energy release rates computed from the three-dimensional results are compared with those predicted using the quasi-three-dimensional formulation.

Hooper, Steven J.↗