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At least 343 records · Page 19

Stirling engine - Available tools for long-life assessment

A review is presented for the durability approaches applicable to long-time life assessment of Stirling engine hot-section components. The crucial elements are experimental techniques for generating long-time materials property data (both monotonic and cyclic flow and failure properties); analytic representations of slow strain rate material stress-strain response characteristics (monotonic and cyclic constitutive relations) at high temperatures and low stresses and strains; analytic creep-fatigue-environmental interaction life prediction methods applicable to long lifetimes at high temperatures and small stresses and strains; and experimental verification of life predictions. Long-lifetime design criteria for materials of interest are woefully lacking. Designing against failures due to creep, creep-rupture, fatigue, environmental attack, and creep-failure-environmental interaction will require considerable extrapolation. Viscoplastic constitutive models and time-temperature parameters will have to be calibrated for the hot-section materials of interest. Analysis combined with limited verification testing in a short-time regime will be required to build confidence in long-lifetime durability models.

Halford, Gary R.↗

Stress and Fracture Analyses Under Elastic-plastic and Creep Conditions: Some Basic Developments and Computational Approaches

A new hybrid-stress finite element algorith, suitable for analyses of large quasi-static deformations of inelastic solids, is presented. Principal variables in the formulation are the nominal stress-rate and spin. A such, a consistent reformulation of the constitutive equation is necessary, and is discussed. The finite element equations give rise to an initial value problem. Time integration has been accomplished by Euler and Runge-Kutta schemes and the superior accuracy of the higher order schemes is noted. In the course of integration of stress in time, it has been demonstrated that classical schemes such as Euler's and Runge-Kutta may lead to strong frame-dependence. As a remedy, modified integration schemes are proposed and the potential of the new schemes for suppressing frame dependence of numerically integrated stress is demonstrated. The topic of the development of valid creep fracture criteria is also addressed.

Reed, K. W.↗

A generic model for creep rupture lifetime estimation on fibrous ceramic composites

Because of their high strength and toughness at elevated temperatures, fiber reinforced ceramic composites such as SiC(f)/SiC and SiC(f)/Si3N4 have become candidates for next-generation turbine engine materials. A generic model is proposed for assessing the lifetime of this class of materials when subjected to long-term creep rupture conditions. This 2D model consists of interfacial cracks growing between square grains and rectangular fibers in the direction normal to the principal tensile stress axis. Neglecting transient effects, the total lifetime is derived based on the criterion that rupture is due to coalescence of adjacent cracks. Lifetime is inversely proportional to crack growth rate, volume fraction, and aspect ratio of the fibers; but extremely sensitive to the applied stress, due to the high power of the V-K(I) law. This lifetime estimation seems to be in fair agreement with the creep rupture data of SiC(w)/Si3N4 composite with 0 and 30 vol percent reinforcement tested at 1250 C in air. TEM performed on the postcrept specimens revealed that creep damage is predominantly in the form of microcracks at matrix/matrix as well as fiber/matrix interfaces, approximately in accord with the model simulation.

Chuang, Tze-Jer↗

An automated system for creep testing

A completely automated data collection system was devised to measure, analyze, and graph creep versus time using a PC, a 16 channel multiplexed analog to digital converter, and low friction potentiometers to measure length. The sampling rate for each experiment can be adjusted in the software to meet the needs of the material tested. Data is collected and stored on a diskette for permanent record and also for later data analysis on a different machine.

Spiegel, F. Xavier↗

The Use of Probabilistic Methods to Evaluate the Systems Impact of Component Design Improvements on Large Turbofan Engines

Probabilistic Structural Analysis (PSA) is now commonly used for predicting the distribution of time/cycles to failure of turbine blades and other engine components. These distributions are typically based on fatigue/fracture and creep failure modes of these components. Additionally, reliability analysis is used for taking test data related to particular failure modes and calculating failure rate distributions of electronic and electromechanical components. How can these individual failure time distributions of structural, electronic and electromechanical component failure modes be effectively combined into a top level model for overall system evaluation of component upgrades, changes in maintenance intervals, or line replaceable unit (LRU) redesign? This paper shows an example of how various probabilistic failure predictions for turbine engine components can be evaluated and combined to show their effect on overall engine performance. A generic model of a turbofan engine was modeled using various Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) tools (Quantitative Risk Assessment Software (QRAS) etc.). Hypothetical PSA results for a number of structural components along with mitigation factors that would restrict the failure mode from propagating to a Loss of Mission (LOM) failure were used in the models. The output of this program includes an overall failure distribution for LOM of the system. The rank and contribution to the overall Mission Success (MS) is also given for each failure mode and each subsystem. This application methodology demonstrates the effectiveness of PRA for assessing the performance of large turbine engines. Additionally, the effects of system changes and upgrades, the application of different maintenance intervals, inclusion of new sensor detection of faults and other upgrades were evaluated in determining overall turbine engine reliability.

Packard, Michael H.↗

Influence of fiber architecture on the elastic an d inelastic response of metal matrix composites

This three part paper focuses on the effect of fiber architecture (i.e., shape and distribution) on the elastic and inelastic response of metal matrix composites. The first part provides an annotative survey of the literature, presented as a historical perspective, dealing with the effects of fiber shape and distribution on the response of advanced polymeric matrix and metal matrix composites. Previous investigations dealing with both continuously and discontinuously reinforced composites are included. A summary of the state-of-the-art will assist in defining new directions in this quickly reviving area of research. The second part outlines a recently developed analytical micromechanics model that is particularly well suited for studying the influence of these effects on the response of metal matrix composites. This micromechanics model, referred to as the generalized method of cells (GMC), is capable of predicting the overall, inelastic behavior of unidirectional, multi-phased composites given the properties of the constituents. In particular, the model is sufficiently general to predict the response of unidirectional composites reinforced by either continuous or discontinuous fibers with different inclusion shapes and spatial arrangements in the presence of either perfect or imperfect interfaces and/or interfacial layers. Recent developments regarding this promising model, as well as directions for future enhancements of the model's predictive capability, are included. Finally, the third pan provides qualitative results generated using GMC for a representative titanium matix composite system, SCS-6/TlMETAL 21S. Results are presented that correctly demonstrate the relative effects of fiber arrangement and shape on the longitudinal and transverse stress-strain and creep response, with both strong and weak fiber/matrix interfacial bonds. The fiber arrangements include square, square diagonal, hexagonal and rectangular periodic arrays, as well as a random array. The fiber shapes include circular, square and cross-shaped cross sections. The effect of fiber volume fraction on the observed stress-strain response is also discussed, as the thus-far poorly documented strain rate sensitivity effect. In addition to the well documented features of architecture dependent response of continuously reinforced two-phase MMC's, new results involving continuous multi-phase internal architectures are presented. Specifically, stress strain and creep response of composites with different size fibers having different internal arrangements and bond strengths are investigated with the aim of determining the feasibility of using this approach to enhance the transverse toughness and creep resistance of TMC's.

Arnold, Steven M.↗

Biaxial constitutive equation development

In developing the constitutive equations an interdisciplinary approach is being pursued. Specifically, both metallurgical and continuum mechanics considerations are recognized in the formulation. Experiments will be utilized to both explore general qualitative features of the material behavior that needs to be modeled and to provide a means of assessing the validity of the equations being developed. The model under development explicitly recognizes crystallographic slip on the individual slip systems. This makes possible direct representation of specific slip system phenomena. The present constitutive formulation takes the anisotropic creep theory and incorporates two state variables into the model to account for the effect of prior inelastic deformation history on the current rate-dependent response of the material.

Jordan, E. H.↗

Analysis of NiAlTa precipitates in beta-NiAl + 2 at. pct Ta alloy

Results are reported from experiments performed to identify the precipitates, and their orientation in the matrix, in a beta-NiAl alloy containing 2 at. pct. Ta after undergoing creep test at 1300 K. Test specimens formed by extruding hot powders were compressed at 1300 K for about 50 hr at a strain rate averaging 6/1 million per sec. The specimens were then thinned and examined under an electron microscope and by X-ray diffractometry. An intermetallic NiAlTa compound with a hexagonal Cl4 structure appeared as second phase precipitates in the samples, exhibiting plate-like shapes and a habit plane close to (012). The prism planes of the hexagonal NiAlTa precipitates paralleled the closest packed planes in the cubic beta-NiAl matrix.

Pathare, V.↗

Development of a unified constitutive model for an isotropic nickel base superalloy Rene 80

Accurate analysis of stress-strain behavior is of critical importance in the evaluation of life capabilities of hot section turbine engine components such as turbine blades and vanes. The constitutive equations used in the finite element analysis of such components must be capable of modeling a variety of complex behavior exhibited at high temperatures by cast superalloys. The classical separation of plasticity and creep employed in most of the finite element codes in use today is known to be deficient in modeling elevated temperature time dependent phenomena. Rate dependent, unified constitutive theories can overcome many of these difficulties. A new unified constitutive theory was developed to model the high temperature, time dependent behavior of Rene' 80 which is a cast turbine blade and vane nickel base superalloy. Considerations in model development included the cyclic softening behavior of Rene' 80, rate independence at lower temperatures and the development of a new model for static recovery.

Ramaswamy, V. G.↗

Evaluation of a Multi-Axial, Temperature, and Time Dependent (MATT) Failure Model

To obtain a better understanding the response of the structural adhesives used in the Space Shuttle's Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) nozzle, an extensive effort has been conducted to characterize in detail the failure properties of these adhesives. This effort involved the development of a failure model that includes the effects of multi-axial loading, temperature, and time. An understanding of the effects of these parameters on the failure of the adhesive is crucial to the understanding and prediction of the safety of the RSRM nozzle. This paper documents the use of this newly developed multi-axial, temperature, and time (MATT) dependent failure model for modeling failure for the adhesives TIGA 321, EA913NA, and EA946. The development of the mathematical failure model using constant load rate normal and shear test data is presented. Verification of the accuracy of the failure model is shown through comparisons between predictions and measured creep and multi-axial failure data. The verification indicates that the failure model performs well for a wide range of conditions (loading, temperature, and time) for the three adhesives. The failure criterion is shown to be accurate through the glass transition for the adhesive EA946. Though this failure model has been developed and evaluated with adhesives, the concepts are applicable for other isotropic materials.

Richardson, D. E.↗

Development of a Compact, Low Cost Test Fixture to Evaluate Creep in High Strength Softgoods Materials under Constant Environmental Control

Space exploration is typically driven by two key factors: cost and payload mass. Therefore creating relatively low cost, low mass space hardware is critical. With the advancement of new high-strength flexible materials, a new chapter is opening in the evolution of pressurized space structures. Space-rated inflatable structures are attractive due to their low mass, compact stowage, and capability of performing as well, or better than, their rigid counterparts for applications such as habitats and airlocks. The lifetime properties of materials used for inflatable structures are not as well characterized as heritage composite and metallic materials; therefore, they require extensive testing to increase the level of confidence in their use. Creep testing is one method of evaluating the expected lifetime of materials that may be under constant load for many years in operational use. Conventional creep testing of high-strength softgoods webbings or cordage requires a large, temperature-controlled facility, with structural frames capable of supporting large dead weights, weighing thousands of pounds on each specimen. This is expensive and takes up a significant amount of volume in a facility for a long time. This paper describes the design and analysis of a low-cost, low-volume creep test stand that can be locally environmentally controlled, so that smaller, cheaper facilities can be used for characterizing the creep life of the softgoods materials used in inflatable space structures.

Softgoods↗

Effects of a temperature-dependent rheology on large scale continental extension

The effects of a temperature-dependent rheology on large-scale continental extension are investigated using a thin viscous sheet model. A vertically-averaged rheology is used that is consistent with laboratory experiments on power-law creep of olivine and that depends exponentially on temperature. Results of the calculations depend principally on two parameters: the Peclet number, which describes the relative rates of advection and diffusion of heat, and a dimensionless activation energy, which controls the temperature dependence of the rheology. At short times following the beginning of extension, deformation occurs with negligible change in temperature, so that only small changes in lithospheric strength occur due to attenuation of the lithosphere. However, after a certain critical time interval, thermal diffusion lowers temperatures in the lithosphere, strongly increasing lithospheric strength and slowing the rate of extension. This critical time depends principally on the Peclet number and is short compared with the thermal time constant of the lithosphere. The strength changes cause the locus of high extensional strain rates to shift with time from regions of high strain to regions of low strain. Results of the calculations are compared with observations from the Aegean, where maximum extensional strains are found in the south, near Crete, but maximum present-day strain rates are largest about 300 km further north.

Sonder, Leslie J.↗

Microstructure-property relationships in directionally solidified single-crystal nickel-base superalloys

This paper discusses some of the microstructural features which influence the creep properties of directionally solidified and single-crystal nickel-base superalloys. Gamma prime precipitate size and morphology, gamma-gamma (prime) lattice mismatch, phase instability, alloy composition, and processing variations are among the factors considered. Recent experimental results are reviewed and related to the operative deformation mechanisms and to the corresponding mechanical properties. Special emphasis is placed on the creep behavior of single-crystal superalloys at high temperatures, where directional gamma (prime) coarsening is prominent, and at lower temperatures, where gamma (prime) coarsening rates are significantly reduced. It can be seen that very subtle changes in microstructural features can have profound effects on the subsequent properties of these materials.

Mackay, Rebecca A.↗

Effects of a temperature-dependent rheology on large-scale continental extension

The effects of a temperature-dependent rheology on large-scale continental extension are investigated using a thin viscous sheet model. A vertically-averaged rheology is used that is consistent with laboratory experiments on power-law creep of olivine and that depends exponentially on temperature. Results of the calculations depend principally on two parameters: the Peclet number, which describes the relative rates of advection and diffusion of heat, and a dimensionless activation energy, which controls the temperature dependence of the rheology. At short times following the beginning of extension, deformation occurs with negligible change in temperature, so that only small changes in lithospheric strength occur due to attenuation of the lithosphere. However, after a certain critical time interval, thermal diffusion lowers temperatures in the lithosphere, strongly increasing lithospheric strength and slowing the rate of extension. This critical time depends principally on the Peclet number and is short compared with the thermal time constant of the lithosphere. The strength changes cause the locus of high extensional strain rates to shift with time from regions of high strain to regions of low strain. Results of the calculations are compared with observations from the Aegean, where maximum extensional strains are found in the south, near Crete, but maximum present-day strain rates are largest about 300 km further north.

Sonder, Leslie J.↗

Does a threshold stress for creep exist in HfC-dispersed NiAl?

Recently it was proposed (Jha et al., 1989; Whittenberger et al., 1990) on the basis of constant velocity testing at 1300 K that dispersion strengthened NiAl composites containing about 4 wt pct HfC possess threshold stresses for creep. Further, 1300 K compression testing has been conducted on NiAl+4HfC, and diametrically opposite behavior has been found: for constant load creep tests a normal power law behavior was observed. However, additional constant velocity testing still indicates that the flow stress is essentially independent of strain rate below 10 exp -6/s. Examination of NiAl+4.3HfC specimens deformed under constant velocity conditions revealed that the original hot extruded small grain structure could be converted to large, elongated grains during testing. Such a transformation appears to be responsible for the apparent threshold stress behavior in HfC dispersed NiAl.

Whittenberger, J. D.↗

Capabilities and History of NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's Hydrogen Test Facility

The Hydrogen Test Facility (HTF) has conducted mechanical testing for aerospace materials at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center for many years. One of the first facilities of its kind to run high-pressure cryogenic permeability tests in liquid hydrogen, HTF is now characterized as a unique national resource capable of overcoming hazardous conditions to perform tests directly in various hydrogen environments. At HTF, custom test systems are operated in eight structurally reinforced test cells from 0 to 68,948 kPa (0 to 10,000 psi) at -253 to 982 C (--423 to 1800 F) in hydrogen, air, helium, and nitrogen, with other environments available upon request. Standard mechanical procedures include compression, fatigue crack growth rate, four-point bend, high/low cycle fatigue, fracture toughness, shear, strain-to-crack, and tensile testing. Cryogenic permeability and thermal conductivity and gaseous creep testing are offered, as well as simulated service under different combinations of operating environment(s), stress, pressure, and ambient-to-extreme temperatures. Advanced tests are routinely developed upon demand, and special component testing is also available. Current efforts include the renovation of two high-pressure gaseous test cells to generate data for a J-2X engine designed for Constellation's Ares I and V vehicles. In the past, HTF has supported other critical NASA programs, such as Apollo, Space Shuttle, and Next Generation Launch Technologies. During the 1990's, hundreds of tests were conducted in liquid hydrogen and liquid nitrogen during development of the Space Shuttle's super lightweight tank, which provided the thrust required to achieve low Earth orbit for the International Space Station. This facility was designed and built in 1963. Originally called the Low Temperature Test Facility, it became known as the Cryogenic Test Facility in the late 1980's and HTF in the early 1990's.

Malone, T. W.↗

Effects of temperature and hold times on low cycle fatigue of Astroloy

Low cycle fatigue (LCF) and creep-fatigue-environment interactions of HIP Astroloy were studied at 650 C and 725 C. The results showed that the model proposed by Kaisand and Mowbray (1979) was successful in predicting the magnitude and trend of the fatigue crack growth rate from LCF data. Raising the temperature from 650 C to 725 C did not change the fracture mode, while employing tensile hold caused a change in fracture mode and was more damaging than raising the temperature by 75 C. All samples displayed multiple fracture origins, which is initiated transgranularly in continuous cycling tests and intergranularly in hold time tests. An examination of the secondary crack showed no apparent creep damage. Oxidation in high purity argon appeared to be the major factor in LCF life degradation due to hold time.

Choe, S. J.↗

MANTLE: A finite element program for the thermal-mechanical analysis of mantle convection. A user's manual with examples

A finite element computer code for the analysis of mantle convection is described. The coupled equations for creeping viscous flow and heat transfer can be solved for either a transient analysis or steady-state analysis. For transient analyses, either a control volume or a control mass approach can be used. Non-Newtonian fluids with viscosities which have thermal and spacial dependencies can be easily incorporated. All material parameters may be written as function statements by the user or simply specified as constants. A wide range of boundary conditions, both for the thermal analysis and the viscous flow analysis can be specified. For steady-state analyses, elastic strain rates can be included. Although this manual was specifically written for users interested in mantle convection, the code is equally well suited for analysis in a number of other areas including metal forming, glacial flows, and creep of rock and soil.

Thompson, E.↗