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At least 253 records · Page 14

Progressive Damage and Failure Analysis of Bonded Composite Joints at High Energy Dynamic Impacts

Both wing and fuselage structures utilize bonded composite joints for structural efficiency in modern commercial and military aircraft. To ensure compliance with certification requirements mechanical fasteners are typically used as a failsafe mechanism for appropriate strength in the event of complete stiffener disbond. However, the use of fasteners decreases the structural efficiency of the structure by adding weight. This establishes the requirement to better exploit the efficiency of bonded structures and fully understand the failure behavior of adhesively bonded composite structures, particularly when subjected to elevated loading rates due to high energy dynamic impacts (HEDI). For this reason, the NASA Advanced Composite Consortium (ACC) HEDI team developed an experimentation and numerical modeling program for high rate loading of composite joints. In the present work, the response of adhesively bonded composite joints subjected to elevated loading rates is studied numerically and validated against experimental results. Due to dynamic considerations of experiments, the idea of wedge insert was extended to use with Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) testing techniques. Mode-I and Mode-II test configurations were simulated to evaluate the capability of two continuum damage material (CDM) models in LS-DYNA, namely MAT162 and MAT261. Three different levels of fidelity were considered to investigate the level of detail required to numerically predict the failure behavior and the results from high fidelity analysis are presented.

MAT261↗

Equipment and techniques for rapid bonding of composites

Rapid adhesive bonding concepts have been developed at NASA Langley which employ induction heating of thermoplastic composite matrices directly along the bond line and/or adherends without heating the entire structure, the supports, and the fixtures of the bonding assembly. Short term thermal cycling and water boil exposures have shown encouraging environmental stability for these rapid bonds. These bonding techniques have been extended to continuous seam bonding of metallic and composite panels with promising results for the bonding of both like and unlike adherends; the portability of the apparatus suggests that field repairs of damaged structures are possible.

Buckley, John D.↗

Impact resistance of spar-shell composite fan blades

Composite spar-shell fan blades for a 1.83 meter (6 feet) diameter fan stage were fabricated and tested in a whirling arm facility to evaluate foreign object damage (FOD) resistance. The blades were made by adhesively bonding boron-epoxy shells on titanium spars and then adhesively bonding an Inconel 625 sheath on the leading edge. The rotating blades were individually tested at a tip speed of 800 feet per second. Impacting media used were gravel, rivets, bolt, nut, ice balls, simulated birds, and a real bird. Incidence angles were typical of those which might be experienced by STOL aircraft. The tests showed that blades of the design tested in this program have satisfactory impact resistance to small objects such as gravel, rivets, nuts, bolts, and two inch diameter ice balls. The blades suffered nominal damage when impacted with one-pound birds (9 to 10 ounce slice size). However, the shell was removed from the spar for a larger slice size.

Graff, J.↗

Joining Composite Parts With Off-Stoichiometric Matrix Reflow

Adhesive bonding is an attractive alternative to fasteners for composite part assembly. In addition to superior performance, it reduces weight and eliminates costly manufacturing processes. However, current adhesive bonding methods are highly susceptible to contamination flaws, and it is difficult to verify bonds because nondestructive testing to quantify bond strength is still under development. In aerospace applications, this often results in fasteners being added to provide redundant load paths. Co-cured parts can provide an alternative because they can be inspected using traditional nondestructive evaluation techniques such as ultrasound. However, co-curing can only be accomplished for a limited range of geometries. NASA’s Adhesive Free Bonding of Composites (AERoBOND) is an alternative method for bonding composite parts. The goal of this study was to further develop and understand the capabilities of this novel bonding technique.

Charles T. Dolph↗

Interconnnect and bonding technologies for large flexible solar arrays

Thermocompression bonding and conductive adhesive bonding are developed and evaluated as alternate methods of joining solar cells to their interconnect assemblies. Bonding materials and process controls applicable to fabrication of large, flexible substrate solar cell arrays are studied. The primary potential use of the techniques developed is on the solar array developed by NASA/MSFC and LMSC for solar electric propulsion (SEP) and shuttle payload applications. This array is made up of flexible panels approximately 0.7 by 3.4 meters. It is required to operate in space between 0.3 and 6 AU for 5 years with limited degradation. Materials selected must be capable of enduring this space environment, including outgassing and radiation.

Source record↗

Adhesion, friction, and deformation of ion-beam-deposited boron nitride films

The tribological properties and mechanical strength of boron nitride films were investigated. The BN films were predominantly amorphous and nonstoichiometric and contained small amounts of oxides and carbides. It was found that the yield pressure at full plasticity, the critical load to fracture, and the shear strength of interfacial adhesive bonds (considered as adhesion) depended on the type of metallic substrate on which the BN was deposited. The harder the substrate, the greater the critical load and the adhesion. The yield pressures of the BN film were 12 GPa for the 440C stainless steel substrate, 4.1 GPa for the 304 stainless steel substrate, and 3.3 GPa for the titanium substrate.

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa↗

Adhesion, friction and deformation of ion-beam-deposited boron nitride films

The tribological properties and mechanical strength of boron nitride films were investigated. The BN films were predominantly amorphous and nonstoichiometric and contained small amounts of oxides and carbides. It was found that the yield pressure at full plasticity, the critical load to fracture, and the shear strength of interfacial adhesive bonds (considered as adhesion) depended on the type of metallic substrate on which the BN was deposited. The harder the substrate, the greater the critical load and the adhesion. The yield pressures of the BN film were 12 GPa for the 440C stainless steel substrate, 4.1 GPa for the 304 stainless steel substrate, and 3.3 GPa for the titanium substrate.

Miyoshi, K.↗

Controlled Contamination of Epoxy Composites with PDMS and Removal by Laser Ablation

Surface preparation is critical to the performance of adhesively bonded composites. During manufacturing, minute quantities of mold release compounds are inevitably deposited on faying surfaces and may compromise bond performance. To ensure safety, mechanical fasteners and other crack arrest features must be installed in the bondlines of primary structures, which negates some advantages of adhesively bonded construction. Laser ablation is an automated, repeatable, and scalable process with high potential for the surface preparation of metals and composites in critical applications such as primary airframe structures. In this study, laser ablation is evaluated on composite surfaces for the removal of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a common mold release material. Composite panels were contaminated uniformly with PDMS film thicknesses as low as 6.0 nm as measured by variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry. Bond performance was assessed by mechanical testing using a 250 F cure, epoxy adhesive and compared with pre-bond surface inspection results. Water contact angle, optically stimulated electron emission, and laser induced breakdown spectroscopy were used to characterize contaminated and laser ablated surfaces. The failure mode obtained from double cantilever beam tests correlated well with surface characterization data. The test results indicated that even low levels of PDMS were not completely removed by laser ablation.

Palmieri, Frank↗

Welding, Bonding and Fastening, 1984

A compilation of papers presented in a joint NASA, American Society for Metals, The George Washington University, American Welding Soceity, and Society of Manufacturing Engineers conference on Welding, Bonding, and Fastening at Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, on October 23 to 25, 1984 is given. Papers were presented on technology developed in current research programs relevant to welding, bonding, and fastening of structural materials required in fabricating structures and mechanical systems used in the aerospace, hydrospace, and automotive industries. Topics covered in the conference included equipment, hardware and materials used when welding, brazing, and soldering, mechanical fastening, explosive welding, use of unique selected joining techniques, adhesives bonding, and nondestructive evaluation. A concept of the factory of the future was presented, followed by advanced welding techniques, automated equipment for welding, welding in a cryogenic atmosphere, blind fastening, stress corrosion resistant fasteners, fastening equipment, explosive welding of different configurations and materials, solid-state bonding, electron beam welding, new adhesives, effects of cryogenics on adhesives, and new techniques and equipment for adhesive bonding.

Buckley, J. D.↗

Strain Gauges Indicate Differential-CTE-Induced Failures

A method of detecting mechanical failure induced by variation in temperature at an adhesive bond between two materials that have different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) involves monitoring of strain-gauge readings. This method can be regarded as an exploitation of the prior observation that the readings of strain gauges commonly used in tensile and compressive testing of material specimens include features indicative of incremental failures in the specimens. In this method, one or more strain gauges are bonded to either or both of the two materials near the bond between the materials. (The adhesive used to bond the strain gauges would not ordinarily be the same as the one used to bond the two materials). Then strain-gauge readings are recorded as the temperature of the materials is varied through a range of interest. Any significant discontinuity in the slope of the resulting strain-versus-temperature curve(s) is taken to be a qualitative indication of a failure of the bond between the two materials and/or a failure within one of the materials in the vicinity of the bond. The method has been demonstrated in experiments on specimens consisting of polyacrylonitrile-fiber/epoxy-matrix laminated composite plates bonded by epoxy to smaller plates made, variously, of aluminum, titanium, and a low-CTE nickel/iron alloy. In preparation for each experiment, strain gauges were bonded, by use of cryogenic-rated adhesives, to the composite plate near the corners of the metal plate (see Figure 1). In each experiment, strain-gauge and temperature readings were taken as the specimen was cooled from room temperature to 20 K. The specimens were then returned to room temperature and ultrasonically inspected for damage in the bond region. No failure events were detectable in the strain-gauge readings from the composite/ titanium and composite/low-thermalexpansion- alloy specimens, and ultrasonic inspection of these specimens revealed no damage. However, failure events were seen in the strain-gauge readings from the composite/aluminum specimens (see Figure 2), and ultrasonic inspection confirmed that there was damage in the bond regions of these specimens.

Harris, Brian↗

Technical Assessment of the National Full Scale Aerodynamic Complex Fan Blades Repair

This report describes the principal activities of a technical review team formed to address National Full Scale Aerodynamic Complex (NFAC) blade repair problems. In particular, the problem of lack of good adhesive bonding of the composite overwrap to the Hyduliginum wood blade material was studied extensively. Description of action plans and technical elements of the plans are provided. Results of experiments designed to optimize the bonding process and bonding strengths obtained on a full scale blade using a two-step cure process with adhesive primers are presented. Consensus recommendations developed by the review team in conjunction with the NASA Ames Fan Blade Repair Project Team are provided along with lessons learned on this program. Implementation of recommendations resulted in achieving good adhesive bonds between the composite materials and wooden blades, thereby providing assurance that the repaired fan blades will meet or exceed operational life requirements.

Young, Clarence P., Jr.↗

Composite Bond Line Measurements Based on A Bayesian Analysis of Flash Thermography Data

For bonded composite materials, an accurate characterization of the adhesive bond line is needed to predict failure modes and fracture toughness. In this paper, bond line thickness was estimated from data obtained using through transmission flash thermography. The forward model that predicts back surface temperature is based on a three layer heat diffusion equation with varying diffusivity and flux boundary conditions. The corresponding inverse problem of estimating bond line thickness from measurement data was solved using a Bayesian approach that assumed Gaussian priors for the bond line thickness and thermal diffusivity of the adherends. Finally, the outputs of the thermography based method were compared to measurements that were collected using a micrometer and ultrasound testing.

Flash thermography↗

Composite Bond Line Measurements Based on a Bayesian Analysis of Flash Thermography Data

For bonded composite materials, an accurate characterization of the adhesive bond line is needed to predict failure modes and fracture toughness. In this paper, bond line thickness was estimated from data obtained using through transmission flash thermography. The forward model that predicts back surface temperature is based on a three layer heat diffusion equation with varying diffusivity and flux boundary conditions. The corresponding inverse problem of estimating bond line thickness from measurement data was solved using a Bayesian approach that assumed Gaussian priors for the bond line thickness and thermal diffusivity of the adherends. Finally, the outputs of the thermography based method were compared to measurements that were collected using a micrometer and ultrasound testing.

Flash thermography↗

Thermochemical Ablation Analysis of the Orion Heatshield

The Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle will one day carry astronauts to the Moon and beyond, and Orion's heatshield is a critical component in ensuring their safe return to Earth. The Orion heatshield is the structural component responsible for absorbing the intense heating environment caused by re-entry to Earth's atmosphere. The heatshield is primarily composed of Avcoat, an ablative material that is consumed during the re-entry process. Ablation is primarily characterized by two processes: pyrolysis and recession. The decomposition of in-depth virgin material is known as pyrolysis. Recession occurs when the exposed surface of the heatshield reacts with the surrounding flow. The Orion heatshield design was changed from an individually filled Avcoat honeycomb to a molded block Avcoat design. The molded block Avcoat heatshield relies on an adhesive bond to keep it attached to the capsule. In some locations on the heatshield, the integrity of the adhesive bond cannot be verified. For these locations, a mechanical retention device was proposed. Avcoat ablation was modelled in CHAR and the in-depth virgin material temperatures were used in a Thermal Desktop model of the mechanical retention device. The retention device was analyzed and shown to cause a large increase in the maximum bondline temperature. In order to study the impact of individual ablation modelling parameters on the heatshield sizing process, a Monte Carlo simulation of the sizing process was proposed. The simulation will give the sensitivity of the ablation model to each of its input parameters. As part of the Monte Carlo simulation, statistical uncertainties on material properties were required for Avcoat. Several properties were difficult to acquire uncertainties for: the pyrolysis gas enthalpy, non-dimensional mass loss rate (B´c), and Arrhenius equation parameters. Variability in the elemental composition of Avcoat was used as the basis for determining the statistical uncertainty in pyrolysis gas enthalpy and B´c. A MATLAB program was developed to allow for faster, more accurate and automated computation of Arrhenius reaction parameters. These parameters are required for a material model to be used in the CHAR ablation analysis program. This MATLAB program, along with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) data, was used to generate uncertainties on the Arrhenius parameters for Avcoat. In addition, the TGA fitting program was developed to provide Arrhenius parameters for the ablation model of the gap filler material, RTV silicone.

Sixel, William↗

Preliminary evaluation of adhesion strength measurement devices for ceramic/titanium matrix composite bonds

The adhesive bond between ceramic cement and a titanium matrix composite substrate to be used in the National Aerospace Plane program is evaluated. Two commercially available adhesion testers, the Sebastian Adherence Tester and the CSEM REVETEST Scratch Tester, are evaluated to determine their suitability for quantitatively measuring adhesion strength. Various thicknesses of cements are applied to several substrates, and bond strengths are determined with both testers. The Sabastian Adherence Tester has provided limited data due to an interference from the sample mounting procedure, and has been shown to be incapable of distinguishing adhesion strength from tensile and shear properties of the cement itself. The data from the scratch tester has been found to be difficult to interpret due to the porosity and hardness of the cement. Recommendations are proposed for a more reliable adhesion test method.

Pohlchuck, Bobby↗

A renewable lignin-based thermoplastic adhesive for steel joining

Adhesive bonding of metals has become increasingly relevant in recent years due to the demand for reducing weight and improving performance in structural applications such as automobiles and aerospace. We developed renewable thermoplastic adhesives from technical organosolv lignin isolated from hardwood biomass and acrylonitrile butadiene co-polymer rubber (NBR) for joining steel substrates. NBR33, NBR41 and NBR51 with acrylonitrile molar ratios of 33, 41 and 51%, respectively, were blended with lignin to form two-phase thermoplastic adhesives, and their adhesion, viscoelastic and surface properties were measured. Lignin content in the compositions were varied, ranging from 40% to 80% (w/w), to alter toughness, stiffness, and surface energy characteristics of the material. Better interaction or reactivity between the lignin and NBR phases was observed with greater nitrile content in NBR, leading to greater modulus and stiffness of the adhesive. Simultaneously, increasing the proportion of lignin reduced toughness and improved stiffness, with the highest adhesive strength of 13.1 MPa measured in a 60% lignin loading ratio with NBR51. Surface energy measurements revealed that total surface energy (sum of polar and dispersive surface energy) raised with lignin loading, suggesting that both surface energy and matrix strength play a critical role in the adhesive properties of the synthesized materials. A finite element-based cohesive zone model (CZM) was developed and implemented to study the failure strength of the adhesively bonded joint. Here, this study demonstrates the viability of lignin as a valuable building block for adhesives, not only due to its inherent chemical structure and rigidity, but also for its surface energy characteristics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Surface analysis in composite bonding

X ray photoelectron spectroscopy and contact angle measurements on graphite fiber composites pretreated in a number of different ways including mechanical, chemical, and light irradiation were analyzed. Data acquired on surface contamination as a result of fabrication techniques provides answers to the strength and durability of adhesively bonded composites. These techniques were shown to provide valuable information on surface analysis of pretreated composites prior to adhesive bonding and following lap shear fracture.

Messick, D. L.↗

Acousto-ultrasonics - Retrospective exhortation with bibliography

Major research on the acousto-ultrasonic (AU) technique (also known as the stress-wave-factor technique) encompassing aspects of acoustic emission and ultrasonic materials characterization methodology is reviewed. AU deals primarily with such factors as the assessment of the integrated effects of diffuse defect states, thermomechanical degradation, and population of subcritical flaws that influence AU measurements correlating with mechanical property variations. AU is used to evaluate fiber-reinforced composites, adhesive bonds, lumber, paper and wood products, cable and rope, and human bone. The AU technique has been demonstrated to be sensitive to interlaminar and adhesive bond strength variations and has been shown to be useful in assessing microporosity and microcracking produced by fatigue cycling. An extensive bibliography ranging from 1985 to 1991 is presented.

Vary, Alex↗