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At least 307 records · Page 17

Probabilistic Simulation for Combined Cycle Fatigue in Composites

A methodology to compute probabilistic fatigue life of polymer matrix laminated composites has been developed and demonstrated. Matrix degradation effects caused by long term environmental exposure and mechanical/thermal cyclic loads are accounted for in the simulation process. A unified time-temperature-stress dependent multifactor interaction relationship developed at NASA Glenn Research Center has been used to model the degradation/aging of material properties due to cyclic loads. The fast probability integration method is used to compute probabilistic distribution of response. Sensitivities of fatigue life reliability to uncertainties in the primitive random variables (e.g., constituent properties, fiber volume ratio, void volume ratio, ply thickness, etc.) computed and their significance in the reliability-based design for maximum life is discussed. The effect of variation in the thermal cyclic loads on the fatigue reliability for a (0/+/- 45/90)s graphite/epoxy laminate with a ply thickness of 0.127 mm, with respect to impending failure modes has been studied. The results show that, at low mechanical cyclic loads and low thermal cyclic amplitudes, fatigue life for 0.999 reliability is most sensitive to matrix compressive strength, matrix modulus, thermal expansion coefficient, and ply thickness. Whereas at high mechanical cyclic loads and high thermal cyclic amplitudes, fatigue life at 0.999 reliability is more sensitive to the shear strength of matrix, longitudinal fiber modulus, matrix modulus, and ply thickness.

Chamis, Christos C.↗

Laser Based Remote and Rapid Inspection for Composite Plates

Composites have been extensively used in aero structure and become the predominate components in the new airframes. Thus, rapid and effective inspection for composite structures is highly desired in aerospace engineering in order to shorten the certificate cycle for new structures or provide safety guarantee for existing ones. In this paper, a laser based remote Lamb wave inspection system is presented and implemented on composite plates for simulated damage detection. The system employs pulsed laser (PL) and scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (SLDV) for noncontact and remote Lamb wave actuation and wavefield sensing. A composite plate with simulated defect (surface bonded quartz rod) is inspected with the PL-SLDV laser system. Wave scattering are observed in the SLDV acquired wavefield and the damage is further evaluated with wavefield imaging and frequency wavenumber analysis. Potential application towards automatic PL Lamb wave excitation is also explored through employing an industry robotic arm towards rapid inspection.

Lamb waves↗

Multidisciplinary tailoring of hot composite structures

A computational simulation procedure is described for multidisciplinary analysis and tailoring of multilayered multimaterial hot composite engine structural components subjected to simultaneous multiple discipline-specific thermal, structural, vibration, and acoustic loadings including the effect of aggressive environments. The simulation is based on a 3D finite element analysis technique in conjunction with structural mechanics codes, thermal/acoustic analysis methods, and tailoring procedures. The integrated multidisciplinary simulation procedure is general-purpose including the coupled effects of nonlinearities in structure geometry, material, loading, and environmental complexities. The composite material behavior is assessed at all composite scales, i.e., the laminate/ply/constituents (fiber/matrix), via a nonlinear material characterization hygro-thermomechanical model. Sample tailoring cases exhibiting nonlinear material/loading/environmental behavior of aircraft engine fan blades, are presented. The various multidisciplinary loadings lead to different tailored designs, even those opposite of each other, as in the case of minimum material cost versus minimum structure weight and in the case of minimum vibration frequency versus minimum acoustic noise.

Singhal, Surendra N.↗

Radicals and Reservoirs in the GMI Chemistry and Transport Model: Comparison to Measurements

We have used a three-dimensional chemistry and transport model (CTM), developed under the Global Modeling Initiative (GMI), to carry out two simulations of the composition of the stratosphere under changing halogen loading for 1995 through 2030. The two simulations differ only in that one uses meteorological fields from a general circulation model while the other uses meteorological fields from a data assimilation system. A single year's winds and temperatures are repeated for each 36-year simulation. We compare results from these two simulations with an extensive collection of data from satellite and ground-based measurements for 1993-2000. Comparisons of simulated fields with observations of radical and reservoir species for some of the major ozone-destroying compounds are of similar quality for both simulations. Differences in the upper stratosphere, caused by transport of total reactive nitrogen and methane, impact the balance among the ozone loss processes and the sensitivity of the two simulations to the change in composition.

Douglass, Anne R.↗

Accurate Simulation of Acoustic Emission Sources in Composite Plates

Acoustic emission (AE) signals propagate as the extensional and flexural plate modes in thin composite plates and plate-like geometries such as shells, pipes, and tubes. The relative amplitude of the two modes depends on the directionality of the source motion. For source motions with large out-of-plane components such as delaminations or particle impact, the flexural or bending plate mode dominates the AE signal with only a small extensional mode detected. A signal from such a source is well simulated with the standard pencil lead break (Hsu-Neilsen source) on the surface of the plate. For other sources such as matrix cracking or fiber breakage in which the source motion is primarily in-plane, the resulting AE signal has a large extensional mode component with little or no flexural mode observed. Signals from these type sources can also be simulated with pencil lead breaks. However, the lead must be fractured on the edge of the plate to generate an in-plane source motion rather than on the surface of the plate. In many applications such as testing of pressure vessels and piping or aircraft structures, a free edge is either not available or not in a desired location for simulation of in-plane type sources. In this research, a method was developed which allows the simulation of AE signals with a predominant extensional mode component in composite plates requiring access to only the surface of the plate.

Prosser, W. H.↗

Numerical simulation of the nonlinear response of composite plates under combined thermal and acoustic loading

A time-domain study of the random response of a laminated plate subjected to combined acoustic and thermal loads is carried out. The features of this problem also include given uniform static inplane forces. The formulation takes into consideration a possible initial imperfection in the flatness of the plate. High decibel sound pressure levels along with high thermal gradients across thickness drive the plate response into nonlinear regimes. This calls for the analysis to use von Karman large deflection strain-displacement relationships. A finite element model that combines the von Karman strains with the first-order shear deformation plate theory is developed. The development of the analytical model can accommodate an anisotropic composite laminate built up of uniformly thick layers of orthotropic, linearly elastic laminae. The global system of finite element equations is then reduced to a modal system of equations. Numerical simulation using a single-step algorithm in the time-domain is then carried out to solve for the modal coordinates. Nonlinear algebraic equations within each time-step are solved by the Newton-Raphson method. The random gaussian filtered white noise load is generated using Monte Carlo simulation. The acoustic pressure distribution over the plate is capable of accounting for a grazing incidence wavefront. Numerical results are presented to study a variety of cases.

Mei, Chuh↗

Multi-Model Simulations of Aerosol and Ozone Radiative Forcing Due to Anthropogenic Emission Changes During the Period 1990-2015

Over the past few decades, the geographical distribution of emissions of substances that alter the atmospheric energy balance has changed due to economic growth and air pollution regulations. Here, we show the resulting changes to aerosol and ozone abundances and their radiative forcing using recently updated emission data for the period 1990-2015, as simulated by seven global atmospheric composition models. The models broadly reproduce large-scale changes in surface aerosol and ozone based on observations (e.g. 1 to 3 percent per year in aerosols over the USA and Europe). The global mean radiative forcing due to ozone and aerosol changes over the 1990-2015 period increased by 0.17 plus or minus 0.08 watts per square meter, with approximately one-third due to ozone. This increase is more strongly positive than that reported in IPCC AR5 (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fifth Assessment Report). The main reasons for the increased positive radiative forcing of aerosols over this period are the substantial reduction of global mean SO2 emissions, which is stronger in the new emission inventory compared to that used in the IPCC analysis, and higher black carbon emissions.

emissions↗

Application of Regolith Polymer Composite Fused Granular Fabrication Construction in Simulated Lunar Conditions

NASA’s Artemis program has the goal of creating a sustained lunar presence to provide unprecedented opportunities for scientific discovery and to ensure industry’s access to the unlimited resources and commercial potential in space. To achieve this goal, NASA must incrementally develop and expand its capabilities beyond the short lunar stays of the Apollo program to a robust continued presence with infrastructure and equipment to reduce mission risk. Kennedy Space Center’s Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations laboratory (a.k.a. Swamp Works) has partnered with SpaceFactory and LERA Consulting Structural Engineers to develop the architectural and structural design of a robotically constructable unpressurized shelter. The shelter, called Lunar Infrastructure Asset (LINA), is designed to protect astronauts and surface assets from radiation, meteoroid impact, thermal gradients, and to withstand moonquakes. A Fused Granular Fabrication (FGF) construction process using regolith polymer composites was developed. The construction system and associated print parameters are discussed along with the environmental simulation equipment and a summary of test conditions. Test samples were printed in dirty thermal vacuum conditions (~10-3 torr, ~-200 °C,) and subscale versions of LINA were printed on a regolith simulant substrate in vacuum (~10-4 torr). Full scale LINA design optimization, simulation, and construction concept of operations are discussed.

lunar infrastructure↗

Spectral Effects of Varying Texture and Composition in Two-component “Mudpie” Simulations: Insights for Asteroid (101955) Bennu

Data returned by the OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer) spacecraft have shown that asteroid (101955) Bennu has a globally low-albedo surface covered in boulders with diverse texture, color, and albedo properties, and an aqueously altered composition dominated by phyllosilicates. To test whether Bennu’s color and albedo diversity could be caused by texture and/or composition variations, we performed a laboratory-based study using simple two-component mixtures (called “mudpies”) of the phyllosilicate saponite and carbon-rich opaques. Each mudpie is prepared in four different textures: fine powder, coarse particles, sanded slab, and textured rock. We find that a sanded slab made from 90% saponite and 10% lampblack is a good analog for Bennu, and the color and albedo changes due to texture variations are substantial. At 550 nm, texture changes alone can create up to 36% brightness contrast, and in color measured as a 473 nm/847 nm ratio, texture changes can provide up to 18% color contrast. In comparison, Bennu shows approximately 25% albedo and <1% color contrasts from boulder type to boulder type. These findings suggest that if texture contributes to color on Bennu, the texture variations are typically more subtle than what we simulated in the laboratory. According to our study, the color and albedo properties of different boulder types on Bennu are consistent with different concentrations of carbon-rich opaques (and possibly consistent with variations in carbonate concentration). The variations within each boulder group are consistent with textural differences.

Antara Sen↗

Dynamical Study of Prebiotic Processing by Comet Impact

Comets and meteoroids that bombarded the Earth, other planets and moons are considered possible deliverers of prebiotic materials manufactured in space. Simultaneously, chemical processing can be initiated by the large kinetic energy imparted to the planetary atmosphere during comet/meteoroid entry. The efficiency of organic synthesis and the diversity of products by impact shock are known to decrease as the reducing power of the atmosphere decreases. It is generally accepted that rich organic products are produced in a methane atmosphere whereas a carbon dioxide atmosphere is reported to yield a dearth of products In order to understand the details of impact chemistry and how it depends on the atmospheric composition, we carried out simulations of the chemistry initiated by comet/meteoroid impact upon a planetary atmosphere using different atmospheric compositions. The simulations were done by solving the set of coupled equations for mass, momentum, and energy conservations, chemical kinetics, and transport, that describe a high-energy impact shock, subsequent expansion and cooling of the hot shocked gas by mixing with the ambient gas, and the eventual steady state composition.

Huo, Winifred M.↗

Multidisciplinary tailoring of hot composite structures

A computational simulation procedure is described for multidisciplinary analysis and tailoring of layered multi-material hot composite engine structural components subjected to simultaneous multiple discipline-specific thermal, structural, vibration, and acoustic loads. The effect of aggressive environments is also simulated. The simulation is based on a three-dimensional finite element analysis technique in conjunction with structural mechanics codes, thermal/acoustic analysis methods, and tailoring procedures. The integrated multidisciplinary simulation procedure is general-purpose including the coupled effects of nonlinearities in structure geometry, material, loading, and environmental complexities. The composite material behavior is assessed at all composite scales, i.e., laminate/ply/constituents (fiber/matrix), via a nonlinear material characterization hygro-thermo-mechanical model. Sample tailoring cases exhibiting nonlinear material/loading/environmental behavior of aircraft engine fan blades, are presented. The various multidisciplinary loads lead to different tailored designs, even those competing with each other, as in the case of minimum material cost versus minimum structure weight and in the case of minimum vibration frequency versus minimum acoustic noise.

Singhal, Surendra N.↗

Future CH4 Budgets as Modelled By A Fully Coupled Earth System Model Using Prescribed GHG Concentrations vs. Interactive CH4 Sources and Sinks

We have used the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) Earth system model GISS-E2.1 to study the future budgets and trends of global and regional CH4 under different emission scenarios. GISS-E2.1 is one of the few ESMs that can be driven by anthropogenic CH4 emissions, as well as interactive natural sources such as wetlands, and can simulate the tropospheric CH4 chemistry. In frame of the recent short-lived climate forcers (SLCFs) assessment by the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP), we used the GISS-E2.1 model with prescribed long-lived greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations. In the present study, we have supplemented these simulations using the interactive CH4 sources and sinks in order to quantify the model performance and the sensitivity to CH4 sources and sinks. We have used the Current Legislation (CLE) and the Maximum Feasible Reduction (MFR) emission scenarios from the Eclipse V6b emission database to simulate the future chemical composition and climate impacts from 2015 to 2050. We have also simulated 1995-2014 in order to evaluate the model performance following the AMAP-SLCF protocol. The prescribed GHG version underestimates the Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) surface CH4 observations during the period between 1995 and 2023 by 1% [-8.4%-2.0%], with a correlation (r) of 0.71 [-0.41 0.99]. The largest underestimations are over the continental emission regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia, while biases are smallest over oceans. On the other hand, the simulation with interactive sources and sinks underestimates the GAW observations more than the prescribed simulation, by 18.5% [-25% -10.4%], with a lower r of 0.36 [-0.82 0.93]. Opposite to the prescribed simulation, the biases are largest over oceans and smaller over the continents, however they are still larger over land than the prescribed simulation. The interactive simulation, with large sources virtually over land and strong sink over oceans, has a land/ocean ratio larger than 1 while the prescribed simulation has this ratio equal to 1 as it distributes the global prescribed CH4 concentration equally in longitude over a given latitude. This clearly shows that the interactive sources and sinks should be represented in models in order to realistically simulate the chemical composition and the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere. As expected, the MFR scenario simulates lower global surface CH4 concentrations and burdens compared to the CLE scenario, however in both cases, global surface CH4 and burden continue to increase through 2050 compared to present day. In the CLE scenario, increases are largest over the equatorial belt, in particular over India and East China, while the MFR scenario shows increases over the whole Southern Hemisphere, however much smaller compared to CLE. Finally, the interactive simulation shows that the chemical CH4 sink increases in the CLE scenario, while it slightly decreases in the MFR, leading to a larger CH4 lifetime in the MFR scenario compared to in the CLE scenario.

CH4↗

Prediction of high temperature metal matrix composite ply properties

The application of the finite element method (superelement technique) in conjunction with basic concepts from mechanics of materials theory is demonstrated to predict the thermomechanical behavior of high temperature metal matrix composites (HTMMC). The simulated behavior is used as a basis to establish characteristic properties of a unidirectional composite idealized an as equivalent homogeneous material. The ply properties predicted include: thermal properties (thermal conductivities and thermal expansion coefficients) and mechanical properties (moduli and Poisson's ratio). These properties are compared with those predicted by a simplified, analytical composite micromechanics model. The predictive capabilities of the finite element method and the simplified model are illustrated through the simulation of the thermomechanical behavior of a P100-graphite/copper unidirectional composite at room temperature and near matrix melting temperature. The advantage of the finite element analysis approach is its ability to more precisely represent the composite local geometry and hence capture the subtle effects that are dependent on this. The closed form micromechanics model does a good job at representing the average behavior of the constituents to predict composite behavior.

Caruso, J. J.↗

Dynamic delamination buckling in composite laminates under impact loading: Computational simulation

A unique dynamic delamination buckling and delamination propagation analysis capability has been developed and incorporated into a finite element computer program. This capability consists of the following: (1) a modification of the direct time integration solution sequence which provides a new analysis algorithm that can be used to predict delamination buckling in a laminate subjected to dynamic loading, and (2) a new method of modeling the composite laminate using plate bending elements and multipoint constraints. This computer program is used to predict both impact induced buckling in composite laminates with initial delaminations and the strain energy release rate due to extension of the delamination. It is shown that delaminations near the outer surface of a laminate are susceptible to local buckling and buckling-induced delamination propagation when the laminate is subjected to transverse impact loading. The capability now exists to predict the time at which the onset of dynamic delamination buckling occurs, the dynamic buckling mode shape, and the dynamic delamination strain energy release rate.

Grady, Joseph E.↗

Dynamic delamination buckling in composite laminates under impact loading - Computational simulation

A unique dynamic delamination buckling and delamination propagation analysis capability has been developed and incorporated into a finite element computer program. This capability consists of the following: (1) a modification of the direct time integration solution sequence which provides a new analysis algorithm that can be used to predict delamination buckling in a laminate subjected to dynamic loading, and (2) a new method of modeling the composite laminate using plate bending elements and multipoint constraints. This computer program is used to predict both impact induced buckling in composite laminates with initial delaminations and the strain energy release rate due to extension of the delamination. It is shown that delaminations near the outer surface of a laminate are susceptible to local buckling and buckling-induced delamination propagation when the laminate is subjected to transverse impact loading. The capability now exists to predict the time at which the onset of dynamic delamination buckling occurs, the dynamic buckling mode shape, and the dynamic delamination strain energy release rate.

Grady, Joseph E.↗

Assessment of space environment induced microdamage in toughened composite materials

The effects of simulated space environments on the microdamage in a series of commercially available toughened matrix composite systems was determined. Low-earth orbit (LEO) exposures were simulated by thermal cycling; geosynchronous orbit (GEO) exposures were simulated by electron irradiation plus thermal cycling. Material response was characterized by assessing the induced microcracking and its influence on chemical and mechanical property changes. All materials, including several advanced, tough thermoplastics microcracked when exposed to the simulated LEO environment except a 177 C cured single phase toughened epoxy composite. The GEO simulated environment produced microdamage in all materials. The results suggest that increased matrix toughness may not be the overriding factor leading to improved durability in the space environment.

Sykes, George F.↗

An Interface Damage Model for the Simulation of Delamination Under Variable-Mode Ratio in Composite Materials

A thermodynamically consistent damage model for the simulation of progressive delamination under variable mode ratio is presented. The model is formulated in the context of the Damage Mechanics (DM). The constitutive equations that result from the variation of the free energy with damage are used to model the initiation and propagation of delamination. A new delamination initiation criterion is developed to assure that the formulation can account for changes in the loading mode in a thermodynamically consistent way. Interfacial penetration of two adjacent layers after complete decohesion is prevented by the formulation of the free energy. The model is implemented into the commercial finite element code ABAQUS by means of a user-written decohesion element. Finally, the numerical predictions given by the model are compared with experimental results.

Turon, Albert↗

Simulation of Fatigue Behavior of High Temperature Metal Matrix Composites

A generalized relatively new approach is described for the computational simulation of fatigue behavior of high temperature metal matrix composites (HT-MMCs). This theory is embedded in a specialty-purpose computer code. The effectiveness of the computer code to predict the fatigue behavior of HT-MMCs is demonstrated by applying it to a silicon-fiber/titanium-matrix HT-MMC. Comparative results are shown for mechanical fatigue, thermal fatigue, thermomechanical (in-phase and out-of-phase) fatigue, as well as the effects of oxidizing environments on fatigue life. These results show that the new approach reproduces available experimental data remarkably well.

Tong, Mike T.↗