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At least 217 records · Page 12

An experimental investigation of delamination buckling and growth

An experimental investigation of delamination buckling and growth in compression loaded composite laminates is described. Compression tests were conducted on impact damaged laminates and laminates containing preimplanted delaminations. These tests were performed utilizing a fixture designed to prevent global buckling. The results of this study indicate that considerations in addition to initial defect geometry influence the shape of the boundary of the buckled region. Further, idealized delamination buckling from preimplanted delaminations may occur quite differently than in the case of an impact damaged laminate. The growth of a delamination following buckling may follow an irregular path and may involve the delamination growing into different interfaces.

Davidson, Barry D.↗

Comparison of hand laid-up tape and filament wound composite cylinders and panels with and without impact damage

The results of this experimental comparison of filament wound control (unimpacted) cylinders loaded to failure in axial compression indicates that one fiber cross-over location has no effect on the failure mode or strain in thick walled filament wound graphite-epoxy specimens with stacking sequence (plus or minus 45/90) sub 3s. A comparison between filament wound and hand laid-up tape control cylinders indicates that there is little or no difference in the response of cylinders constructed by using two different fabrication methods, however, unimpacted panels with many fiber cross-overs fail at up to 15 percent lower strains than panels with no fiber cross-overs. A comparison of samples subjected to low speed impact damage prior to compressive loading indicates that impact damage reduces the strain at failure by over 60 percent in tape and filament wound graphite-epoxy cylinders and in tape flat panels. The presence of fiber cross-overs was observed to reduce the strength of filament wound impact-damaged panels, but to have no significant effect on the strength of filament wound impact-damaged cylinders.

Jegley, Dawn C.↗

Postbuckling behavior of curved panels under combined compression and shear loads

A validated semiempirical design procedure and fatigue data were developed for curved, stiffened composite panels operating in the postbuckled regime under the action of combined compression and shear loading. A previously developed design methodology for composite panels under pure shear or pure compression loading was used as the starting point for the program. Initially, the well established interaction rules for metal panels were adopted to predict buckling under combined loading. Test data were then developed to verify these rules and suggest modifications where necessary. Postbuckling failure envelopes were developed by accounting for the failure modes possible under shear loading only, and under pure compression loading. Static failure predictions under combined loading were based on test verified interaction criteria. Fatigue tests were conducted under combined loading to determine strength degradation and the possible failure modes.

Deo, Ravi B.↗

Combined compressive and shear buckling analysis of hypersonic aircraft sandwich panels

The combined-load (compression and shear) buckling equations were established for orthotropic sandwich panels by using the Rayleigh-Ritz method to minimize the panel total potential energy. The resulting combined-load buckling equations were used to generate buckling interaction curves for super-plastically-formed/diffusion-bonded titanium truss-core sandwich panels and titanium honeycomb-core sandwich panels having the same specific weight. The relative combined-load buckling strengths of these two types of sandwich panels are compared with consideration of their sandwich orientations. For square and nearly square panels of both types, the combined load always induces symmetric buckling. As the panel aspect ratios increase, antisymmetric buckling will show up when the loading is shear-dominated combined loading. The square panel (either type) has the highest combined buckling strength, but the combined load buckling strength drops sharply as the panel aspect ratio increases. For square panels, the truss-core sandwich panel has higher compression-dominated load buckling strength. However, for shear dominated loading, the square honeycomb-core sandwich panel has higher shear-dominated combined load buckling strength.

Ko, William L.↗

Effect of Impact Damage and Open Holes on the Compression Strength of Tough Resin/high Strain Fiber Laminates

Tests to assess the performance of composite structures damaged by impact or containing local discontinuities such as cutouts are discussed. In particular, two plate specimen test configurations which were developed to define the serverity of compression strength reduction are described; one for impact damage and the other open hole specimens. The test technique for impact specimens involves damaging the plate at selected energies, measuring the size of damage by ultrasonic C-scan techniques and measuring the residual strength in a compression load test. Open-hole specimen compression tests are conducted for several different hole diameters and the failure strain and load and mode of failure recorded. The plate specimen used in these tests is designed with length, width, thickness and laminate stiffness to ensure that overall plate buckling is not responsible for initiating failure.

Williams, J. G.↗

BUCLASP 2: A computer program for instability analysis of biaxially loaded composite stiffened panels and other structures

The use of the computer program BUCLASP2 is described. The program is intended for linear instability analyses of structures such as unidirectionally stiffened panels. Any structure that has a constant cross section in one direction, that may be idealized as an assemblage of beam elements and laminated flat and curved plant strip elements can be analyzed. The loadings considered are combinations of axial compressive loads and in-plane transverse loads. The two parallel ends of the panel must be simply supported and arbitrary elastic boundary conditions may be imposed along any one or both external longitudinal side. This manual consists of instructions for use of the program with sample problems, including input and output information. The theoretical basis of BUCLASP2 and correlations of calculated results with known solutions, are presented.

Tripp, L. L.↗

Vibration and buckling studies of pretensioned structures

Results of analyses and tests of a simple pretensional structure are presented. Linear finite element analysis correlated well with experimental small amplitude vibration data. The buckling and vibration behavior of a pretensional stayed column was studied in detail. The bifurcation buckling load was also predicted accurately. Postbuckling behavior of the column was unusual and results in a post buckling restoring force of only 1/64 the bifurcation buckling load. Interaction between lateral accelerations and compressive load creates isolated stay slackening at loads above 50 percent of the buckling load. Further research will be required to fully understand their impact on the use of pretensioned structures as large space structures.

Belvin, W. K.↗

An analytical study of the effects of transverse shear deformation and anisotropy on natural vibration frequencies of laminated cylinders

Natural vibration frequencies of orthotropic and anisotropic simply supported right circular cylinders are predicted using a higher-order transverse-shear deformation theory. A comparison of natural vibration frequencies predicted by first-order transverse-shear deformation theory and the higher-order theory shows that an additional allowance for transverse shear deformation has a negligible effect on the lowest predicted natural vibration frequencies of laminated cylinders but significantly reduces the higher natural vibration frequencies. A parametric study of the effects of ply orientation on the natural vibration frequencies of laminated cylinders indicates that while stacking sequence affects natural vibration frequencies, cylinder geometry is more important in predicting transverse-shear deformation effects. Interaction curves for cylinders subjected to axial compressive loadings and low natural vibration frequencies indicate that transverse shearing effects are less important in predicting low natural vibration frequencies than in predicting axial compressive buckling loads. The effects of anisotropy are more important than the effects of transverse shear deformation for most strongly anisotropic laminated cylinders in predicting natural vibration frequencies. However, transverse-shear deformation effects are important in predicting high natural vibration frequencies of thick-walled laminated cylinders. Neglecting either anisotropic effects or transverse-shear deformation effects leads to non-conservative errors in predicted natural vibration frequencies.

Jegley, Dawn C.↗

An analytical study of the effects of transverse shear deformation and anisotropy on natural vibation frequencies of laminated cylinders

Natural vibration frequencies of orthotropic and anisotropic simply supported right circular cylinders are predicted using a higher-order transverse-shear deformation theory. A comparison of natural vibration frequencies predicted by first-order transverse-shear deformation theory and the higher-order theory shows that an additional allowance for transverse shear deformation has a negligible effect on the lowest predicted natural vibration frequencies of laminated cylinders but significantly reduces the higher natural vibration frequencies. A parametric study of the effects of ply orientation on the natural vibration frequencies of laminated cylinders indicates that while stacking sequence affects natural vibration frequencies, cylinder geometry is more important in predicting transverse-shear deformation effects. Interaction curves for cylinders subjected to axial compressive loadings and low natural vibration frequencies indicate that transverse shearing effects are less important in predicting low natural vibration frequencies than in predicting axial compressive buckling loads. The effects of anisotropy are more important than the effects of transverse shear deformation for most strongly anisotropic laminated cylinders in predicting natural vibration frequencies. However, transverse-shear deformation effects are important in predicting high natural vibration frequencies of thick-walled laminated cylinders. Neglecting either anisotropic effects or transverse-shear deformation effects leads to non-conservative errors in predicted natural vibration frequencies.

Jegley, Dawn C.↗

Experimental Investigation of a Graphite-Composite Intertank Section for a Reusable Launch Vehicle

The use of graphite-composites as primary structure is essential for the development of a cost effective single-stage-to-orbit reusable launch vehicle (RLV). A full-scale segment of a graphite-composite intertank was designed and fabricated by an industry team and tested at NASA Langley Research Center as a part of the RLV technology development program. The intertank test component was approximately 3.0 m long by 6.7 m wide and included slightly less than a 90deg section of a cylindrical intertank. The test article was fabricated using graphite-bismaelimide composite material and consisted of a hat-stiffened skin with five ring frames. The stiffeners were secondarily bonded to the panel skin and the ring frames were mechanically attached. The test article was loaded to failure with a uniform compression load applied by 21 individually controlled hydraulic actuators. Resistance strain gages, linear variable differential transformers and video cameras were used to measure and record the test results. A linear f d t e element analysis of the test article and test fixture was performed. The test results verified the structural integrity cf the intertank test article up to the design limit load. However, the test article failed in general skin buckling between the ring frames at a load 1.08 times design limit load. This load was considerably lower than the expected failure load. The cause of premature failure is being investigated. Good correlation of the test and analysis results was obtained for loads up to the design limit load.

Sawyer, James Wayne↗

Tow-Steered Panels With Holes Subjected to Compression or Shear Loads

Tailoring composite laminates to vary the fiber orientations within a fiber layer of a laminate to address non-uniform stress states and provide structural advantages such as the alteration of principal load paths has potential application to future low-cost, light-weight structures for commercial transport aircraft. Evaluation of this approach requires the determination of the effectiveness of stiffness tailoring through the use of curvilinear fiber paths in flat panels including the reduction of stress concentrations around the holes and the increase in load carrying capability. Panels were designed through the use of an optimization code using a genetic algorithm and fabricated using a tow-steering approach. Manufacturing limitations, such as the radius of curvature of tows the machine could support, avoidance of wrinkling of fibers and minimization of gaps between fibers were considered in the design process. Variable stiffness tow-steered panels constructed with curvilinear fiber paths were fabricated so that the design methodology could be verified through experimentation. Finite element analysis where each element s stacking sequence was accurately defined is used to verify the behavior predicted based on the design code. Experiments on variable stiffness flat panels with central circular holes were conducted with the panels loaded in axial compression or shear. Tape and tow-steered panels are used to demonstrate the buckling, post-buckling and failure behavior of elastically tailored panels. The experimental results presented establish the buckling performance improvements attainable by elastic tailoring of composite laminates.

Jegley, Dawn C.↗

Simulation of Complex Cracking in Plain Weave C/SiC Composite under Biaxial Loading

Finite element analysis is performed on a mesh, based on computed geometry of a plain weave C/SiC composite with assumed internal stacking, to reveal the pattern of internal damage due to biaxial normal cyclic loading. The simulation encompasses intertow matrix cracking, matrix cracking inside the tows, and separation at the tow-intertow matrix and tow-tow interfaces. All these dissipative behaviors are represented by traction-separation cohesive laws. Not aimed at quantitatively predicting the overall stress-strain relation, the simulation, however, does not take the actual process of fiber debonding into account. The fiber tows are represented by a simple rule-of-mixture model where the reinforcing phase is a hypothetical one-dimensional material. Numerical results indicate that for the plain weave C/SiC composite, 1) matrix-crack initiation sites are primarily determined by large intertow matrix voids and interlayer tow-tow contacts, 2) the pattern of internal damage strongly depends on the loading path and initial stress, 3) compressive loading inflicts virtually no damage evolution. KEY WORDS: ceramic matrix composite, plain weave, cohesive model, brittle failure, smeared crack model, progressive damage, meso-mechanical analysis, finite element.

Cheng, Ron-Bin↗

Combined compressive and shear buckling analysis of hypersonic aircraft structural sandwich panels

The combined-load (compression and shear) buckling equations were established for orthotropic sandwich panels by using the Rayleigh-Ritz method to minimize the panel total potential energy. The resulting combined-load buckling equations were used to generate buckling interaction curves for super-plastically-formed/diffusion-bonded titanium truss-core sandwich panels and titanium honeycomb-core sandwich panels having the same specific weight. The relative combined-load buckling strengths of these two types of sandwich panels are compared with consideration of their sandwich orientations. For square and nearly square panels of both types, the combined load always induces symmetric buckling. As the panel aspect ratios increase, antisymmetric buckling will show up when the loading is shear-dominated combined loading. The square panel (either type) has the highest combined buckling strength, but the combined load buckling strength drops sharply as the panel aspect ratio increases. For square panels, the truss-core sandwich panel has higher compression-dominated combined load buckling strength. However, for shear dominated loading, the square honeycomb-core sandwich panel has higher shear-dominated combined load buckling strength.

Ko, William L.↗

An Overview of Advanced Elastomeric Seal Development and Testing Capabilities at NASA Glenn Research Center

NASA is developing advanced space-rated elastomeric seals to support future space exploration missions to low Earth orbit, the Moon, near Earth asteroids, and other destinations. This includes seals for a new docking system and vehicle hatches. These seals must exhibit extremely low leak rates to ensure that astronauts have sufficient breathable air for extended missions. Seal compression loads must be below prescribed limits so as not to overload the mechanisms that compress them, and seal adhesion forces must be low to allow the sealed interface to be separated when required (e.g., during undocking or hatch opening). NASA Glenn Research Center has developed a number of unique test fixtures to measure the leak rates and compression and adhesion loads of candidate seal designs under simulated thermal, vacuum, and engagement conditions. Tests can be performed on fullscale seals with diameters on the order of 50 in., subscale seals that are about 12 in. in diameter, and smaller specimens such as O-rings. Test conditions include temperatures ranging from -238 to 662degF (-150 to 350degC), operational pressure gradients, and seal-on-seal or seal-on-flange mating configurations. Nominal and off-nominal conditions (e.g., incomplete seal compression) can also be simulated. This paper describes the main design features and capabilities of each type of test apparatus and provides an overview of advanced seal development activities at NASA Glenn.

Leakage↗

An Overview of Advanced Elastomeric Seal Development and Testing Capabilities at NASA Glenn Research Center

NASA is developing advanced space-rated elastomeric seals to support future space exploration missions to low Earth orbit, the Moon, near Earth asteroids, and other destinations. This includes seals for a new docking system and vehicle hatches. These seals must exhibit extremely low leak rates to ensure that astronauts have sufficient breathable air for extended missions. Seal compression loads must be below prescribed limits so as not to overload the mechanisms that compress them, and seal adhesion forces must be low to allow the sealed interface to be separated when required (e.g., during undocking or hatch opening). NASA Glenn Research Center has developed a number of unique test fixtures to measure the leak rates and compression and adhesion loads of candidate seal designs under simulated thermal, vacuum, and engagement conditions. Tests can be performed on full-scale seals with diameters on the order of 50 in., subscale seals that are about 12 in. in diameter, and smaller specimens such as O-rings. Test conditions include temperatures ranging from -238 to +662F (-150 to +350C), operational pressure gradients, and seal-on-seal or seal-on-flange mating configurations. Nominal and off-nominal conditions (e.g., incomplete seal compression) can also be simulated. This paper describes the main design features and capabilities of each test apparatus and provides an overview of advanced seal development activities at NASA Glenn.

Leakage↗