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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 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2005

Influence of Compression and Shear on the Strength of Composite Laminates with Z-Pinned Reinforcement

The influence of compression and shear loads on the strength of composite laminates with z-pins is evaluated parametrically using a 2D Finite Element Code (FLASH) based on Cosserat couple stress theory. Meshes were generated for three unique combinations of z-pin diameter and density. A laminated plate theory analysis was performed on several layups to determine the bi-axial stresses in the zero degree plies. These stresses, in turn, were used to determine the magnitude of the relative load steps prescribed in the FLASH analyses. Results indicated that increasing pin density was more detrimental to in-plane compression strength than increasing pin diameter. Compression strengths of lamina without z-pins agreed well with a closed form expression derived by Budiansky and Fleck. FLASH results for lamina with z-pins were consistent with the closed form results, and FLASH results without z-pins, if the initial fiber waviness due to z-pin insertion was added to the fiber waviness in the material to yield a total misalignment. Addition of 10% shear to the compression loading significantly reduced the lamina strength compared to pure compression loading. Addition of 50% shear to the compression indicated shear yielding rather than kink band formation as the likely failure mode. Two different stiffener reinforced skin configurations with z-pins, one quaiisotropic and one orthotropic, were also analyzed. Six unique loading cases ranging from pure compression to compression plus 50% shear were analyzed assuming material fiber waviness misalignment angles of 0, 1, and 2 degrees. Compression strength decreased with increased shear loading for both configurations, with the quasi-isotropic configuration yielding lower strengths than the orthotropic configuration.

O'Brien, T. Kevin↗
NASA NTRS2016

An Enriched Shell Finite Element for Progressive Damage Simulation in Composite Laminates

A formulation is presented for an enriched shell nite element capable of progressive damage simulation in composite laminates. The element uses a discrete adaptive splitting approach for damage representation that allows for a straightforward model creation procedure based on an initially low delity mesh. The enriched element is veri ed for Mode I, Mode II, and mixed Mode I/II delamination simulation using numerical benchmark data. Experimental validation is performed using test data from a delamination-migration experiment. Good correlation was found between the enriched shell element model results and the numerical and experimental data sets. The work presented in this paper is meant to serve as a rst milestone in the enriched element's development with an ultimate goal of simulating three-dimensional progressive damage processes in multidirectional laminates.

McElroy, Mark W.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Mixed isoparametric finite element models of laminated composite shells

Mixed shear-flexible isoparametric elements are presented for the stress and free vibration analysis of laminated composite shallow shells. Both triangular and quadrilateral elements are considered. The 'generalized' element stiffness, consistent mass, and consistent load coefficients are obtained by using a modified form of the Hellinger-Reissner mixed variational principle. Group-theoretic techniques are used in conjunction with computerized symbolic integration to obtain analytic expressions for the stiffness, mass and load coefficients. A procedure is outlined for efficiently handling the resulting system of algebraic equations. The accuracy of the mixed isoparametric elements developed is demonstrated by means of numerical examples, and their advantages over commonly used displacement elements are discussed.

Noor, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Q3DG: A computer program for strain-energy-release rates for delamination growth in composite laminates

The Q3DG is a computer program developed to perform a quasi-three-dimensional stress analysis for composite laminates which may contain delaminations. The laminates may be subjected to mechanical, thermal, and hygroscopic loads. The program uses the finite element method and models the laminates with eight-noded parabolic isoparametric elements. The program computes the strain-energy-release components and the total strain-energy release in all three modes for delamination growth. A rectangular mesh and data file generator, DATGEN, is included. The DATGEN program can be executed interactively and is user friendly. The documentation includes sections dealing with the Q3D analysis theory, derivation of element stiffness matrices and consistent load vectors for the parabolic element. Several sample problems with the input for Q3DG and output from the program are included. The capabilities of the DATGEN program are illustrated with examples of interactive sessions. A microfiche of all the examples is included. The Q3DG and DATGEN programs have been implemented on CYBER 170 class computers. Q3DG and DATGEN were developed at the Langley Research Center during the early eighties and documented in 1984 to 1985.

Raju, I. S.↗
NASA NTRS1991

The fatigue behavior of composite laminates under various mean stresses

A method is developed for predicting the S-N curve of a composite laminate which is subjected to an arbitrary stress ratio, R (minimum stress/maximum stress). The method is based on the measuring of the S-N behavior of two distinct cases, tension-tension and compression-compression fatigue loadings. Using these parameters, expressions are formulated that estimate the fatigue behavior under any stress ratio loading. Experimental results from the testing of graphite/epoxy laminates, with various structures, are compared with the predictions and show good agreement.

Rotem, A.↗
NASA NTRS1994

The buckling response of symmetrically laminated composite plates having a trapezoidal planform area

The focus of this work is the buckling response of symmetrically laminated composite plates having a planform area in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid. The loading is assumed to be inplane and applied perpendicular to the parallel ends of the plate. The tapered edges of the plate are assumed to have simply supported boundary conditions, while the parallel ends are assumed to have either simply supported or clamped boundary conditions. A semi-analytic closed-form solution based on energy principles and the Trefftz stability criterion is derived and solutions are obtained using the Rayleigh-Ritz method. Intrinsic in this solution is a simplified prebuckling analysis which approximates the inplane force resultant distributions by the forms Nx=P/W(x) and Ny=Nxy=0, where P is the applied load and W(x) is the plate width which, for the trapezoidal planform, varies linearly with the lengthwise coordinate x. The out-of-plane displacement is approximated by a double trigonometric series. This analysis is posed in terms of four nondimensional parameters representing orthotropic and anisotropic material properties, and two nondimensional parameters representing geometric properties. For comparison purposes, a number of specific plate geometry, ply orientation, and stacking sequence combinations are investigated using the general purpose finite element code ABAQUS. Comparison of buckling coefficients calculated using the semi-analytical model and the finite element model show agreement within 5 percent, in general, and within 15 percent for the worst cases. In order to verify both the finite element and semi-analytical analyses, buckling loads are measured for graphite/epoxy plates having a wide range of plate geometries and stacking sequences. Test fixtures, instrumentation system, and experimental technique are described. Experimental results for the buckling load, the buckled mode shape, and the prebuckling plate stiffness are presented and show good agreement with the analytical results regarding the buckling load and the prebuckling plate stiffness. However, the experimental results show that for some cases the analysis underpredicts the number of halfwaves in the buckled mode shape. In the context of the definitions of taper ratio and aspect ratio used in this study, it is concluded that the buckling load always increases as taper ratio increases for a given aspect ratio for plates having simply supported boundary conditions on the parallel ends. There are combinations of plate geometry and ply stackling sequences, however, that reverse this trend for plates having clamped boundary conditions on the parallel ends such that an increase in the taper ratio causes a decrease in the buckling load. The clamped boundary conditions on the parallel ends of the plate are shown to increase the buckling load compared to simply supported boundary conditions. Also, anisotropy (the D16 and D26 terms) is shown to decrease the buckling load and skew the buckled mode shape for both the simply supported and clamped boundary conditions.

Radloff, H. D., II↗
NASA NTRS2010

Analytical Modelling of Transverse Matrix Cracking of [plus or minus Theta/90(sub n)](sub s) Composite Laminates Under Multiaxial Loading

An analytical model based on the analysis of a cracked unit cell of a composite laminate subjected to multiaxial loads is proposed to predict the onset and accumulation of transverse matrix cracks in the 90(sub n) plies of uniformly stressed [plus or minus Theta/90(sub n)](sub s) laminates. The model predicts the effect of matrix cracks on the stiffness of the laminate, as well as the ultimate failure of the laminate, and it accounts for the effect of the ply thickness on the ply strength. Several examples describing the predictions of laminate response, from damage onset up to final failure under both uniaxial and multiaxial loads, are presented.

Mayugo, J A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Micromechanics of composite laminate compression failure

The Dugdale analysis for metals loaded in tension was adapted to model the failure of notched composite laminates loaded in compression. Compression testing details, MTS alignment verification, and equipment needs were resolved. Thus far, only 2 ductile material systems, HST7 and F155, were selected for study. A Wild M8 Zoom Stereomicroscope and necessary attachments for video taping and 35 mm pictures were purchased. Currently, this compression test system is fully operational. A specimen is loaded in compression, and load vs shear-crippling zone size is monitored and recorded. Data from initial compression tests indicate that the Dugdale model does not accurately predict the load vs damage zone size relationship of notched composite specimens loaded in compression.

Guynn, E. Gail↗
NASA NTRS1991

Development and verification of global/local analysis techniques for laminated composites

A two-dimensional to three-dimensional global/local finite element approach was developed, verified, and applied to a laminated composite plate of finite width and length containing a central circular hole. The resulting stress fields for axial compression loads were examined for several symmetric stacking sequences and hole sizes. Verification was based on comparison of the displacements and the stress fields with those accepted trends from previous free edge investigations and a complete three-dimensional finite element solution of the plate. The laminates in the compression study included symmetric cross-ply, angle-ply and quasi-isotropic stacking sequences. The entire plate was selected as the global model and analyzed with two-dimensional finite elements. Displacements along a region identified as the global/local interface were applied in a kinematically consistent fashion to independent three-dimensional local models. Local areas of interest in the plate included a portion of the straight free edge near the hole, and the immediate area around the hole. Interlaminar stress results obtained from the global/local analyses compares well with previously reported trends, and some new conclusions about interlaminar stress fields in plates with different laminate orientations and hole sizes are presented for compressive loading. The effectiveness of the global/local procedure in reducing the computational effort required to solve these problems is clearly demonstrated through examination of the computer time required to formulate and solve the linear, static system of equations which result for the global and local analyses to those required for a complete three-dimensional formulation for a cross-ply laminate. Specific processors used during the analyses are described in general terms. The application of this global/local technique is not limited software system, and was developed and described in as general a manner as possible.

Thompson, Danniella Muheim↗
NASA NTRS1973

A study of fracture phenomena in fiber composite laminates

The extension of linear elastic fracture mechanics from ostensibly homogeneous isotropic metallic alloys to heterogeneous anisotropic advanced fiber composites is considered. It is analytically demonstrated that the effects of material anisotropy do not alter the principal characteristics exhibited by a crack in an isotropic material. The heterogeneity of fiber composites is experimentally shown to have a negligible effect on the behavior of a sufficiently long crack. A method is proposed for predicting the fracture strengths of a large class of composite laminates; the values predicted by this method show good agreement with limited experimental data. The limits imposed by material heterogeneity are briefly discussed, and areas for further study are recommended.

Konish, H. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Edge effects in angle-ply composite laminates

This paper presents the results of a zeroth-order solution for edge effects in angle-ply composite laminates obtained using perturbation techniques and a limiting free body approach. The general solution for edge effects in laminates of arbitrary angle ply is applied to the special case of a (+ or - 45)s graphite/epoxy laminate. Interlaminar stress distributions are obtained as a function of the laminate thickness-to-width ratio and compared to finite difference results. The solution predicts stable, continuous stress distributions, determines finite maximum tensile interlaminar normal stress and provides mathematical evidence for singular interlaminar shear stresses in (+ or - 45) graphite/epoxy laminates.

Hsu, P. W.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The effect of cyclic loading on the stiffness degradation of angle-ply composite laminates

An experimental investigation has been conducted to determine the effect of cyclic loading on the stiffness degradation of composite laminates. Specimens were tested in tension-tension fatigue at a frequency of 10 Hz and a stress ratio of 0.1, over a wide range of stress levels. The laminate employed for this investigation was made of graphite/epoxy in an angle-ply (+ or - 35)2s orientation. During this investigation both static and dynamic stiffness reduction data were recorded during constant amplitude fatigue testing, and the results are presented in tabular and graphical form.

Jones, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Compression of laminated composite beams with initial damage

The effect of isolated damage modes on the compressive strength and failure characteristics of laminated composite test specimens were evaluated experimentally and numerically. In addition to specimens without initial damage, specimens with three types of initial damage were considered: (1) specimens with short delaminations distributed evenly through the specimen thickness, (2) specimens with few long delaminations, and (3) specimens with local fiber damage in the surface plies under the three-point bend contact point. It was found that specimens with short multiple delamination experienced the greatest reduction in compression strength compared to the undamaged specimens. Single delaminations far from the specimen surface had little effect on the final compression strength, and moderate strength reduction was observed for specimens with localized surface ply damage.

Breivik, Nicole L.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Refined Zigzag Theory for Homogeneous, Laminated Composite, and Sandwich Plates: A Homogeneous Limit Methodology for Zigzag Function Selection

The Refined Zigzag Theory (RZT) for homogeneous, laminated composite, and sandwich plates is presented from a multi-scale formalism starting with the inplane displacement field expressed as a superposition of coarse and fine contributions. The coarse kinematic field is that of first-order shear-deformation theory, whereas the fine kinematic field has a piecewise-linear zigzag distribution through the thickness. The condition of limiting homogeneity of transverse-shear properties is proposed and yields four distinct sets of zigzag functions. By examining elastostatic solutions for highly heterogeneous sandwich plates, the best-performing zigzag functions are identified. The RZT predictive capabilities to model homogeneous and highly heterogeneous sandwich plates are critically assessed, demonstrating its superior efficiency, accuracy ; and a wide range of applicability. The present theory, which is derived from the virtual work principle, is well-suited for developing computationally efficient CO-continuous finite elements, and is thus appropriate for the analysis and design of high-performance load-bearing aerospace structures.

Tessler, Alexander↗
NASA NTRS1986

A comparison of the fracture behavior of thick laminated composites utilizing compact tension, three-point bend, and center-cracked tension specimens

An experimental study of the effects of specimen configuration and laminate thickness on the fracture behavior of notched laminated composites is presented. The behavior of (0/+, 45/90)ns, (0/90)ns and (0/+, - 45)ns graphite/epoxy T300/5208 laminates was studied. When fracture toughness was computed at the failing load of the center-cracked tension specimen, laminate thickness significantly influenced fracture toughness. If fracture toughness was computed at the interception of the 5 percent secant line with the load-COD record, fracture toughness was found to be independent of both laminate thickness and specimen configuration. Defined in this manner, fracture toughness can be physically interpreted as an indicator of the onset of significant notch-tip damage.

Harris, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Dynamic response of laminated composite plates using a three-dimensional hybrid-stress finite-element formulation

A method of analysis of dynamic response of laminated composite plates is presented. The analysis is carried by using a hybrid-stress finite element numerical technique. By using this approach, the response of simply supported laminated plates subjected to sinusoidal loading are investigated. For the solution of the finite element equations of motion of free vibrations and dynamic response problems, two effective methods of solution, the space iteration method and the Newmark direct integration method are used. These two methods are discussed here.

Liou, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Mechanics of damping for fiber composite laminates including hygro-thermal effects

An integrated mechanics theory was developed for the modeling of composite damping from the micromechanics to the laminate level. Simplified, design oriented equations based on hysteretic damping are presented for on-axis plies, off-axis plies, and laminates including the effect of temperature, moisture, and interply hysteretic damping. The temperature rise within vibrating composite laminates resulting from strain energy dissipation is also modeled, and their coupled hygro-thermo-mechanical response is predicted. The method correlates well with reported damping measurements. Application examples illustrate the effect of various ply, laminate, and hygro-thermal parameters on the overall damping performance of composite laminates.

Saravanos, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Shear-flexible finite-element models of laminated composite plates and shells

Several finite-element models are applied to the linear static, stability, and vibration analysis of laminated composite plates and shells. The study is based on linear shallow-shell theory, with the effects of shear deformation, anisotropic material behavior, and bending-extensional coupling included. Both stiffness (displacement) and mixed finite-element models are considered. Discussion is focused on the effects of shear deformation and anisotropic material behavior on the accuracy and convergence of different finite-element models. Numerical studies are presented which show the effects of increasing the order of the approximating polynomials, adding internal degrees of freedom, and using derivatives of generalized displacements as nodal parameters.

Noor, A. K.↗