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At least 343 records · Page 19

Zoledronate Prevents Simulated Weightlessness-Induced Bone Loss in the Cancellous Compartment While Blunting the Efficacy of a Mechanical Loading Countermeasure

Astronauts using high-force resistance training while weightless show a high-turnover remodeling state within the skeletal system, with resorption and formation biomarkers being elevated. One countermeasure for the skeletal health of astronauts includes an antiresorptive of the bisphosphonate (BP) drug class. We asked, does the combination of an anti-resorptive and high-force exercise during weightlessness have negative effects on bone remodeling and strength? In this study, we developed an integrated model to mimic the mechanical strain of exercise via cyclical loading (CL) in mice treated with the BP Zoledronate (ZOL) combined with hind limb unloading (HU) to simulate weightlessness. We hypothesized that ZOL prevents structural degradation from simulated weightlessness and that CL and ZOL interact to render CL less effective. Thirty-two C57BL/6 mice (male, 16 weeks old, n=8/group) were exposed to 3 weeks of either HU or normal ambulation (NA). Cohorts of mice received one subcutaneous injection of ZOL (45μg/kg), or saline vehicle (VEH), prior to the start of HU. The right tibia was axially compressed in vivo 60x/day to 9N (+1200μstrain on the periosteal surface) and repeated 3x/week during HU. Left tibiae served as a within subject, non-compressed control. Ex vivo μCT was performed on all subjects to determine cancellous and cortical architectural parameters. Static and dynamic histomorphometry were carried out for the left and right tibiae to determine osteoclast- and osteoblast relevant surfaces. Further, micro damage was assessed in select groups by basic-fuchsin staining to test whether CL had an effect. For all assays, a multivariate (2x2x2) ANCOVA model was used to account for body weight changes. Additionally, for the tibiae, we incorporated a random effect for the subject (hence, a mixed model) to account for observations of both left and right tibiae within each subject. P < 0.05 was considered significant. In the cancellous compartment of the proximal tibial metaphysis, we observed a main effect from each independent variable, as determined by structural and histomorphometric assays. Specifically, as expected, ZOL showed an increase in the cancellous bone volume to total volume fraction (BV/TV, +32%) and trabecular number (+18%) compared to the VEH. As expected, ZOL decreased osteoclast surface (OC/BS) by -45% compared to VEH. Surprisingly, ZOL reduced mineralizing surface (MS/BS) and bone formation rate (BFR), indicators of osteoblast activity, by -40% and -54%, respectively, compared to VEH. Altogether, ZOL-treated mice displayed a low turnover state of remodeling in the metaphysis. In the context of skeletal aging, we speculate that ZOL prevented age-related cancellous strut loss during the experiment. As a main effect, as expected, HU decreased BV/TV by - 31% via reductions in both trabecular thickness (-11%) and number (-22%) compared to NA controls. Additionally, HU decreased MS/BS by -38% and bone formation rate (BFR) by -50% compared to NA controls. Altogether, these data are consistent with structural degradation resulting from imbalanced remodeling that favors resorption. As a main effect, CL increased BV/TV by +15% via increased trabecular thickness (+12%) compared to the noncompressed limb. As expected, CL increased MS/BS (+20%) and BFR (+24%), indicating osteoblast mineralization contributed to bone gains. These data show that CL provided an anabolic stimulus to the cancellous tissue. We observed unique interactions in ZOL*CL and HU*CL. First, ZOL prevented CL-induced increases in BV/TV and trabecular number, as compared to VEH. In the context of skeletal aging, these data suggest no added benefit from CL in the ZOL-treated mice. Interestingly, no microdamage was observed in mice that were unloaded and treated with ZOL (independent of CL). Secondly, HU prevented CL-induced increases in BFR, as compared to NA controls. These data suggest that either exercise is less effective or the kinetics of formation are slower during simulated weightlessness. Osteoclast surface was unchanged by either treatment. Thus, in contrast to exercising astronauts, these data do not suggest a high-turnover state in the metaphysis. To assess mechanical properties as a function of HU or ZOL, we tested the left femur in three-point bending ex vivo. As expected, HU decreased stiffness (-30%) compared to NA, and ZOL increased stiffness compared to VEH (+28%). Interestingly, HU increased the post-yield displacement, related to collagenous tensile loading, compared to NA (+20%). ZOL increased yield force (+11%) and ultimate force (+17%), which seems to explain the significant effect of ZOL increasing total energy (work-to-fracture, +15%), while not affecting the post yield displacement. Taken together, ZOL did not have detrimental affect on mechanical properties. Our integrated model simulates the combination of weightlessness, exercise-induced mechanical strain, and anti-resorptive treatment that astronauts experience during space missions. We conclude that Zoledronate was an effective countermeasure against weightlessness-induced bone loss, though zoledronate, as well as weightlessness, rendered exercise-related mechanical loading less effective.

bone↗

Test and Analysis of Buckling-Critical Stiffened Metallic Launch Vehicle Cylinders

A summary of a NASA design analysis and test program on the buckling of large-scale, integrally-stiffened metallic cylinders is presented. The test article designs were developed based on proposed NASA launch vehicle cylinder designs and span a significant portion of the design space. Various loading conditions were applied to the cylinders and include different combinations of axial compression, bending, and internal pressure loads that simulate typical launch vehicle loading scenarios. The data gathered from this test program is being used to develop and validate new analysis-based knockdown factors and design guidelines for these stiffened metallic cylinders. In this paper, the test article designs and fabrication methods are described along with the test facilities and instrumentation. Selected test and finite element analysis results are presented and compared and are used to illustrate the typical response characteristics of the stiffened metallic cylinders considered. Overall, good qualitative agreement is found, however, several discrepancies in the results were identified across several of the tests. The discrepancies were investigated thoroughly and can be attributed to variations in the as-built skin and stiffener geometry, variations in the measured geometric imperfection, and modeling assumptions associated with the boundary conditions, and loading imperfections. Based on these findings, several refinements were made to the finite element models which significantly improved the correlation between the test and analysis results. These modeling refinements are described and the updated analysis results are presented.

Hilburger, Mark W.↗

Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Skin-Stiffener Separation Using a Seven-Point Bend Configuration

Skin-stiffener separation in stiffened composite panels consists of a complex interaction between multiple scales of progressive damage and failure mechanisms. This work used a superposed cohesive element method of modeling resistance curve effects that represents the structural interface of a unidirectional tape skin and a fabric stiffener. Finite element models using cohesive elements with input properties obtained from tape-to-fabric interface characterization tests were compared to experimental results of a stable skin-stiffener separation characterization test using a seven-point bend fixture. This fixture deformed the stiffened panel specimens into a buckled configuration which induced mixed-mode interlaminar stress states at the skin-stiffener interface. The advantage of this fixture was the potential for more stable damage initiation and delamination growth compared to a stringer-stiffened panel under axial compression. Use of the superposed cohesive elements showed promise, but the characterization of interface material properties as input to the cohesive elements remains a crucial component to be investigated to ensure accurate prediction of skin-stiffener separation.

Kosztowny, Cyrus J. R.↗

Test and Analysis Correlation of Standard and Hybrid Standard/Thin-ply Composite Notched Test Specimens

Hybrid composite laminates, a combination of standard-and thin-ply layers, are structurally efficient and can offer opportunities for weight savings over composite laminates composed of only standard-thickness plies. Three hybrid laminates and three standard laminates were tested and analyzed to provide a baseline comparison for not only weight savings and strength benefits of the hybrid stacking sequences, but also to provide fidelity for progressive failure modeling techniques using the two different laminate designs. The standard and hybrid composite specimens were designed to have the same thickness and in-plane stiffness properties, as closely as possible, and were loaded with axial tension and axial compression. Small notched specimens were tested under compression and tension loading, and larger intermediate specimens were tested under tension loading, only. The finite element modeling represented the as-designed panel dimensions as well as the real-life testing conditions through various boundary conditions. The progressive failure modeling and analysis technique described, exhibited very good correlation with the hybrid test specimens, and therefore is appropriate for use in future investigations into more appealing stacking sequences. The progressive failure modeling can also be used to determine the proper usage of thin-ply materials in order to determine the most ideal strength benefits over their standard-ply counterparts.

Alana Zahn↗

Testing and Analysis Correlation of a Large-Scale Composite Sandwich Longitudinal Bonded Joint for Space Launch Vehicle Structures

The NASA Composite Technology for Exploration (CTE) Project is developing and demonstrating critical composite technologies with a focus on composite bonded joints; incorporating materials, design/analysis, manufacturing, and tests that utilize NASA’s expertise and capabilities. The project has goals of advancing composite technologies and providing lightweight structures to support future NASA exploration missions. In particular, the CTE project will demonstrate weight-saving, performance-enhancing composite bonded joint technology for Space Launch System (SLS)-scale composite hardware. Advancements from the CTE project may be incorporated as future block upgrades for SLS structural components. This paper discusses the details of the development of a composite sandwich bonded longitudinal joint for a generic space launch vehicle structure called the CTE Point Design. This paper reports on the large-scale longitudinal bonded joint test articles that were fabricated and tested under axial compressive loading conditions to test the capability of the bonded joint design for buckling and joint failure. Test and analysis correlation of an as-manufactured undamaged longitudinal bonded joint panel are presented in the paper for tests to the onset of buckling and panel failure. Analysis predictions for buckling initiation and panel failure were both within 10% of the longitudinal bonded joint panel test results. This testing and analysis provide confidence in the potential use of composite bonded joints for future launch vehicle structures.

David W Sleight↗

TPSAS-NF1676L-11096-DND

A PRSEUS test article was subjected to controlled impact on the skin face followed by static and cyclic axial compressions. Phased array ultrasonic inspection was conducted before impact, and after each of the test conditions. A linear phased array probe with a manual X-Y scanner was used for interrogation. Ultrasound showed a delamination between the skin and stringer flange adjacent to the impact. As designed, the stitching in the flange arrested the lateral flaw formation. Subsequent ultrasonic data showed no delamination growth due to continued loading

Phased array↗

Buckling and Failure Tests of a Subscale Composite Cylinder

A subscale solid laminate composite cylinder 31.5-in. diameter and 47.8 in. long with a [23/0/-23]4S layup known as NDL-1 was designed to fail in buckling and tested in axial compression to collapse twice. The proposed paper will focus on comparing the behavior of NDL-1 from the first test to failure (TTF-1) and the second test to failure (TTF-2). NDL-1 had a peak load of 466.3 kips during TTF-1 and a peak load of 390.4 kips, 15.5% lower, but with a similar stiffness, during TTF-2. Failure initiated at the 200º circumferential location in TTF-1, and at the 30º circumferential location in TTF-2. Though failure initiated at different locations, a similar radial deformation pattern was present just prior to collapse in TTF-1 and TTF-2. A shallow delamination occurred due to the initial failure event in TTF-1, and the damage had no influence on the response of NDL-1 during TTF-2. In the end, it was determined that NDL-1 failed in buckling during TTF-1 and TTF-2, and the second test to failure of NDL-1 highlighted interesting observations with respect to the effect of damage.

Buckling↗

Implementing Geometric Surface Imperfections into Sandwich Composite Cylinder Finite Element Method Models

The buckling responses of certain cylindrical shell structures are extremely sensitive to geometric surface imperfections. The NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) Shell Buckling Knockdown Factor Project (SBKF) is conducting research to develop analysis-based buckling design recommendations. Experiments are used to verify the analysis-based factors, but the sensitivity of the test articles to geometric imperfections requires implementing as-manufactured imperfections into high-fidelity finite element method models. Data collection methods such as structured light scanning are used for all geometric surface data used in this work. Common preprocessing and visualization steps used in SBKF are discussed, and steps on how surface scans are prepared for implementation into a finite element model is described. The Python Tool for Implementing Geometric Imperfections in Reduced Structures (Py_TIGIRS), written specifically for the use with SBKF, is briefly described and uses eight functions to extract, modify, and write geometric imperfections into Abaqus input files. Results of the pre-processing methods and results from Py_TIGIRS are provided and compared for Composite Test Article (CTA) 8.2B. Excellent agreement between the visualized scan data and the FEM-extracted geometry is demonstrated. A brief example of why geometric surface imperfections are significant in nonlinear numerical analyses for thin cylinders in axial compression is provided as motivation to use tools such as Py_TIGIRS. Future development of Py_TIGIRS including expansion to structures of arbitrary geometry is planned.

Sandwich structures↗

Implementing Geometric Surface Imperfections into Sandwich Composite Cylinder Finite Element Method Models

The buckling responses of certain cylindrical shell structures are extremely sensitive to geometric imperfections. The NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) Shell Buckling Knockdown Factor Project (SBKF) is conducting research to develop analysis-based buckling design recommendations. Experiments are used to verify the analysis-based factors, but the sensitivity of the test articles to geometric imperfections requires implementing as-manufactured imperfections into high-fidelity finite element method (FEM) models. Geometry measurement methods such as structured light scanning are used for all geometric surface data used in this work. Common preprocessing and visualization steps used in SBKF are discussed, and steps of how surface scans are prepared for implementation into a finite element model is described. The Python Tool for Implementing Geometric Imperfections in Reduced Structures (Py_TIGIRS), written specifically for the use with SBKF, is briefly described and uses eight functions to extract, modify, and write geometric imperfections into Abaqus input files. Results of the preprocessing methods and results from Py_TIGIRS are provided and compared for Composite Test Articles (CTA) 8.2, 8.2B, and 8.3. Excellent agreement between the visualized scan data and the FEM-extracted geometry is demonstrated. A brief example of why geometric surface imperfections are significant in nonlinear numerical analyses for thin cylinders in axial compression is provided as motivation to use tools such as Py_TIGIRS. Future developments of Py_TIGIRS including expansion to structures of arbitrary geometry is planned.

Geometric imperfections↗

Implementing Geometric Surface Imperfections into Sandwich Composite Cylinder Finite Element Method Models

The buckling responses of certain cylindrical shell structures are extremely sensitive to geometric imperfections. The NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) Shell Buckling Knockdown Factor Project (SBKF) is conducting research to develop analysis-based buckling design recommendations. Experiments are used to verify the analysis-based factors, but the sensitivity of the test articles to geometric imperfections requires implementing as-manufactured imperfections into high-fidelity finite element method (FEM) models. Geometry measurement methods such as structured light scanning are used for all geometric surface data used in this work. Common preprocessing and visualization steps used in SBKF are discussed, and steps of how surface scans are prepared for implementation into a finite element model is described. The Python Tool for Implementing Geometric Imperfections in Reduced Structures (Py_TIGIRS), written specifically for the use with SBKF, is briefly described and uses eight functions to extract, modify, and write geometric imperfections into Abaqus input files. Results of the preprocessing methods and results from Py_TIGIRS are provided and compared for Composite Test Articles (CTA) 8.2, 8.2B, and 8.3. Excellent agreement between the visualized scan data and the FEM-extracted geometry is demonstrated. A brief example of why geometric surface imperfections are significant in nonlinear numerical analyses for thin cylinders in axial compression is provided as motivation to use tools such as Py_TIGIRS. Future developments of Py_TIGIRS including expansion to structures of arbitrary geometry is planned.

Geometric imperfections↗

Buckling Test and Analysis of the 8-Foot-Diameter Sandwich Composite Cylinder Test Article CTA8.2 as Part of the Shell Buckling Knockdown Factor Project: Test Dates 5-7 December 2017

It is well known that the buckling response of thin shell structures can be sensitive to small imperfections in the geometry and loading. The NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) Shell Buckling Knockdown Factor Project (SBKF) has the goal of developing buckling design recommendations for select classes of metallic and composite shells. Part of completed SBKF work is described in this report. In particular, the test and analysis results from the second SBKF composite test article, CTA8.2, are described. This test was the second in a series of tests on sandwich composite cylinders that can be used to experimentally validate analysis methods, which in turn can be used to develop analysis-based shell buckling design guidelines for sandwich composite launch-vehicle cylindrical structures. CTA8.2 was an 8-foot diameter honeycomb-core sandwich cylinder that was fabricated and tested at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The primary objectives of this test were to interrogate the structural capability of the composite test article, and to verify the test-article design and analysis approach for cylinders subjected to axial compression loads. This report contains the descriptions of the test-article design, fabrication, and test. The pre-test modeling and analysis methods, and corresponding results used in support of the test-article design and test planning, are also described. Additional post-test modeling and analysis efforts and results follow. Selected test results are compared to pre-test predictions and post-test analyses.

Adam Przekop↗

Buckling Test and Analysis of the 8-foot-diameter Sandwich Composite Cylinder Test Article CTA8.3 as Part of the Shell Buckling Knockdown Factor Project: Test Dates 16~19 December 2019

This report describes work that is part of SBKF-the test and analysis results from the third SBKF cylindrical sandwich composite test article, which was designated SBKF-P3-CYL-CTA8.3. This test was the third in a series of tests on sandwich composite cylinders that can be used to experimentally validate analysis methods, which in turn can be used to develop analysis-based shell buckling design guidelines for sandwich composite launch-vehicle cylindrical structures. The primary objectives of this test were to interrogate the structural capability of the composite test article, and to verify the test-article design and analysis approach for cylinders subjected to axial compression and combined compression and bending loads.

Sandwich composite cylinder↗

Local Analysis-Test Correlation Of Tow-Steered Composite Shells With Small Cutouts

The prebuckling and postbuckling behavior of two composite tow-steered shells with small cutouts is assessed using nonlinear dynamic finite element analyses and compared in detail with experimental measurements. The cylindrical shells were manufactured without cutouts using an automated fiber placement system, where the shells’ fiber orientation angles vary continuously around the shell circumference from ±10 degrees on the axially stiff crown and keel, to ±45 degrees on the shear-stiff sides. The first shell with overlaps has laminate thickness variations on the crown and keel that result from application of all 24 tows during each pass of the fiber placement system. The second shell without overlaps uses the fiber placement system’s tow drop/add capability to achieve a more uniform shell wall thickness. An unreinforced cutout representing a passenger door on a commercial aircraft fuselage is machined into the side of each of the two shells. These shells with cutouts were tested in axial compression and buckled elastically in previous work. Detailed nonlinear finite element analysis results are compared with their corresponding measured local load-displacement and load-strain responses in prebuckling, at global buckling, and into a stable postbuckled state. Test data from displacement transducers, strain gages, and digital image correlation are extracted at the centers of the crown and keel, and at the middles of the top and left edges of the cutout. The overall agreement between these measured and analytical responses is excellent in prebuckling through global buckling, and very good from global buckling through postbuckling. As such, the excellent correlation observed here increases confidence in applying tow-steered composites in operational vehicles.

Composites↗

Local Analysis-Test Correlation Of Tow-Steered Composite Shells With Small Cutouts

The prebuckling and postbuckling behavior of two composite tow-steered shells with small cutouts is assessed using nonlinear dynamic finite element analyses and compared in detail with experimental measurements. The cylindrical shells were manufactured without cutouts using an automated fiber placement system, where the shells’ fiber orientation angles vary continuously around the shell circumference from ±10 degrees on the axially stiff crown and keel, to ±45 degrees on the shear-stiff sides. The first shell with overlaps has laminate thickness variations on the crown and keel that result from application of all 24 tows during each pass of the fiber placement system. The second shell without overlaps uses the fiber placement system’s tow drop/add capability to achieve a more uniform shell wall thickness. An unreinforced cutout representing a passenger door on a commercial aircraft fuselage is machined into the side of each of the two shells. These shells with cutouts were tested in axial compression and buckled elastically in previous work. Detailed nonlinear finite element analysis results are compared with their corresponding measured local load-displacement and load-strain responses in prebuckling, at global buckling, and into a stable postbuckled state. Test data from displacement transducers, strain gages, and digital image correlation are extracted at the centers of the crown and keel, and at the middles of the top and left edges of the cutout. The overall agreement between these measured and analytical responses is excellent in prebuckling through global buckling, and very good from global buckling through postbuckling. As such, the excellent correlation observed here increases confidence in applying tow-steered composites in operational vehicles.

Composites↗

The Effect of Fiber-Angle Fidelity on the Linear Response of Tow-steered Composite Plates

Composite laminate tailoring is traditionally performed by uniformly changing the in-plane ply orientation to obtain the desired mechanical performance. The emergence of tow-steered plies, where the fibers follow a prescribed curvilinear path, have increased the tailorability of composite laminates. However, characterizing the behavior of tow-steered laminates using finite element analysis is challenging because additional, and often numerous, orientation definitions may be required. The additional orientation definitions detrimentally increase the computational cost and hinder the use of advanced analysis techniques, such as Monte Carlo or uncertainty quantification, in the design process. To reduce computational cost without adversely affecting mechanics-based performance, the results of a parametric study that was used to investigate the effects of fiber-angle fidelity, element size, and tow-steered radius-of-curvature on various loading scenarios for tow-steered composite plates are presented. The three loading scenarios that were analyzed using finite element analysis included an axial tension load, an applied constant through-thickness-direction pressure load, and an axial compression load. Results for mechanics-based metrics of interest are presented and discussed for each loading scenario. Little sensitivity (less than one percent difference) to the effect of fiber-angle fidelity is observed in the mechanics-based metrics until the coarse-end of the considered range. Sensitivity to element size generally dominates the observed results for the mechanics-based metrics. Notable reductions in the preprocessing time are observed for increasingly coarse element size and fiber-rounding parameters. The preprocessing times decreased up to three orders of magnitude from a few thousand seconds to a few seconds without loss of accuracy in the mechanics-based metrics. Such increased computational performance is of particular interest to the structural design and analysis communities that may be conducting large counts of finite-element analyses, such as in other parametric studies, Monte-Carlo analyses, uncertainty quantification, or tow-steered optimization.

tow-steered composites↗

Nonlinear Dynamic Analyses of STS-1 Forward RCS Oxidizer Tank Structural Failure

At liftoff of the first Space Shuttle mission, a strong ignition overpressure pulse excited the stack. The frequency of the experienced pressure wave exceeded pre-launch predictions, and resulted in high, alternating normal accelerations along the length of the vehicle. As result of this unexpected loading, an oxidizer tank support strut in the orbiter’s forward reaction control system module failed in buckling under axial compression, which could have led to loss of the mission, crew, and vehicle. This incident is investigated in more detail using linear and nonlinear finite element analyses, complementing previous analyses with classical structural mechanics. The results of these analyses are examined to provide additional insight into the accident and to better inform future design decisions for modern space vehicle systems and structures.

Space Shuttle↗

Nonlinear Dynamic Analyses of STS-1 Forward RCS Oxidizer Tank Structural Failure

At liftoff of the first Space Shuttle mission, a strong ignition overpressure pulse excited the stack. The frequency of the experienced pressure wave exceeded pre-launch predictions, and resulted in high, alternating normal accelerations along the length of the vehicle. As result of this unexpected loading, an oxidizer tank support strut in the orbiter’s forward reaction control system module failed in buckling under axial compression, which could have led to loss of the mission, crew, and vehicle. This incident is investigated in more detail using linear and nonlinear finite element analyses, complementing previous analyses with classical structural mechanics. The results of these analyses are examined to provide additional insight into the accident and to better inform future design decisions for modern space vehicle systems and structures.

Space Shuttle↗

Analysis of Triangular Rollable and Collapsible Composite Booms Under the Effects of Gravity and Twist

Finite element analysis is used to investigate Triangular Rollable and Collapsible (TRAC) composite booms. The TRAC booms are subjected to a suite of loading conditions, including in-plane bending, out-of-plane bending, and axial compression. Simulations containing as-designed boom geometry are performed, as are simulations with geometric deviations associated with the as-built conditions of a sample TRAC boom. Namely, a cross-sectional twist along the length of the boom is incorporated into the analysis to study the effect of the twist on the deformation characteristics of the boom. Twisting in the sample boom was observed after short-term storage in a rolled configuration and may be attributed to differential creep deformation between the inner and outer flanges of the TRAC boom. Simulations are conducted with and without the effects of gravity to understand the significance of gravity on testing conditions. Booms of three lengths are evaluated: 3 meters, 7.5 meters and 30 meters. The mechanical responses of the TRAC booms are discussed with reference to the effects of gravity, boom length and cross-sectional twisting. Gravity is found to have a more significant effect on boom mechanical response as boom length is increased. Cross-sectional twisting is found to have a more significant effect on boom mechanical response in the shorter booms.

High-strain composites↗