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NASA NTRS2012

Progressive Failure of a Unidirectional Fiber-Reinforced Composite Using the Method of Cells: Discretization Objective Computational Results

The smeared crack band theory is implemented within the generalized method of cells and high-fidelity generalized method of cells micromechanics models to capture progressive failure within the constituents of a composite material while retaining objectivity with respect to the size of the discretization elements used in the model. An repeating unit cell containing 13 randomly arranged fibers is modeled and subjected to a combination of transverse tension/compression and transverse shear loading. The implementation is verified against experimental data (where available), and an equivalent finite element model utilizing the same implementation of the crack band theory. To evaluate the performance of the crack band theory within a repeating unit cell that is more amenable to a multiscale implementation, a single fiber is modeled with generalized method of cells and high-fidelity generalized method of cells using a relatively coarse subcell mesh which is subjected to the same loading scenarios as the multiple fiber repeating unit cell. The generalized method of cells and high-fidelity generalized method of cells models are validated against a very refined finite element model.

Pineda, Evan J.↗

NASA NTRS2014

Tumor-Initiating Cells and Methods of Use

Provided herein are an isolated or enriched population of tumor initiating cells derived from normal cells, cells susceptible to neoplasia, or neoplastic cells. Methods of use of the cells for screening for anti-hyperproliferative agents, and use of the cells for animal models of hyperproliferative disorders including metastatic cancer, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic methods are provided.

Hlatky, Lynn↗

NASA NTRS1995

On the Finite Element Implementation of the Generalized Method of Cells Micromechanics Constitutive Model

The Generalized Method of Cells (GMC), a micromechanics based constitutive model, is implemented into the finite element code MARC using the user subroutine HYPELA. Comparisons in terms of transverse deformation response, micro stress and strain distributions, and required CPU time are presented for GMC and finite element models of fiber/matrix unit cell. GMC is shown to provide comparable predictions of the composite behavior and requires significantly less CPU time as compared to a finite element analysis of the unit cell. Details as to the organization of the HYPELA code are provided with the actual HYPELA code included in the appendix.

Wilt, T. E.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Comparison of the Computational Efficiency of the Original Versus Reformulated High-Fidelity Generalized Method of Cells

The High-Fidelity Generalized Method of Cells (HFGMC) micromechanics model has recently been reformulated by Bansal and Pindera (in the context of elastic phases with perfect bonding) to maximize its computational efficiency. This reformulated version of HFGMC has now been extended to include both inelastic phases and imperfect fiber-matrix bonding. The present paper presents an overview of the HFGMC theory in both its original and reformulated forms and a comparison of the results of the two implementations. The objective is to establish the correlation between the two HFGMC formulations and document the improved efficiency offered by the reformulation. The results compare the macro and micro scale predictions of the continuous reinforcement (doubly-periodic) and discontinuous reinforcement (triply-periodic) versions of both formulations into the inelastic regime, and, in the case of the discontinuous reinforcement version, with both perfect and weak interfacial bonding. The results demonstrate that identical predictions are obtained using either the original or reformulated implementations of HFGMC aside from small numerical differences in the inelastic regime due to the different implementation schemes used for the inelastic terms present in the two formulations. Finally, a direct comparison of execution times is presented for the original formulation and reformulation code implementations. It is shown that as the discretization employed in representing the composite repeating unit cell becomes increasingly refined (requiring a larger number of sub-volumes), the reformulated implementation becomes significantly (approximately an order of magnitude at best) more computationally efficient in both the continuous reinforcement (doubly-periodic) and discontinuous reinforcement (triply-periodic) cases.

Arnold, Steven M↗

NASA NTRS2004

Testing the Predictive Capability of the High-Fidelity Generalized Method of Cells Using an Efficient Reformulation

The High-Fidelity Generalized Method of Cells is a new micromechanics model for unidirectionally reinforced periodic multiphase materials that was developed to overcome the original model's shortcomings. The high-fidelity version predicts the local stress and strain fields with dramatically greater accuracy relative to the original model through the use of a better displacement field representation. Herein, we test the high-fidelity model's predictive capability in estimating the elastic moduli of periodic composites characterized by repeating unit cells obtained by rotation of an infinite square fiber array through an angle about the fiber axis. Such repeating unit cells may contain a few or many fibers, depending on the rotation angle. In order to analyze such multi-inclusion repeating unit cells efficiently, the high-fidelity micromechanics model's framework is reformulated using the local/global stiffness matrix approach. The excellent agreement with the corresponding results obtained from the standard transformation equations confirms the new model's predictive capability for periodic composites characterized by multi-inclusion repeating unit cells lacking planes of material symmetry. Comparison of the effective moduli and local stress fields with the corresponding results obtained from the original Generalized Method of Cells dramatically highlights the original model's shortcomings for certain classes of unidirectional composites.

Arnold, Steven M.↗

NASA NTRS2017

Order-Reduced Solution of the Nonlinear High-Fidelity Generalized Method of Cells Micromechanics Relations

The High-Fidelity Generalized Method of Cells (HFGMC) is one technique for accurately simulating nonlinear composite material behavior. The HFGMC uses a higher-order approximation for the subcell displacement field that allows for a more accurate determination of the subcell stressstrain fields at the cost of some computational efficiency. In order to reduce computational costs associated with the solution of the ensuing system of simultaneous equations, the HFGMC global system of equations for doubly-periodic repeating unit cells with nonlinear constituents was reduced in size through the use of a Petrov-Galerkin-based Proper Orthogonal Decomposition order-reduction scheme. A number of cases were presented that address the computational feasibility of using order-reduction techniques to solve solid mechanics problems involving complex microstructures.

order-reduction↗

NASA NTRS2003

Single Vector Calibration System for Multi-Axis Load Cells and Method for Calibrating a Multi-Axis Load Cell

A single vector calibration system is provided which facilitates the calibration of multi-axis load cells, including wind tunnel force balances. The single vector system provides the capability to calibrate a multi-axis load cell using a single directional load, for example loading solely in the gravitational direction. The system manipulates the load cell in three-dimensional space, while keeping the uni-directional calibration load aligned. The use of a single vector calibration load reduces the set-up time for the multi-axis load combinations needed to generate a complete calibration mathematical model. The system also reduces load application inaccuracies caused by the conventional requirement to generate multiple force vectors. The simplicity of the system reduces calibration time and cost, while simultaneously increasing calibration accuracy.

Parker, Peter A.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Ceramic distribution members for solid state electrolyte cells and method of producing

A solid state electrolyte cells apparatus and method of producing is disclosed. The apparatus can be used for separating oxygen from an oxygen-containing feedstock or as a fuel cell for reacting fluids. Cells can be stacked so that fluids can be introduced and removed from the apparatus through ceramic distribution members having ports designed for distributing the fluids in parallel flow to and from each cell. The distribution members can also serve as electrodes to membranes or as membrane members between electrodes. The distribution member design does not contain any horizontal internal ports which allows the member to be thin. A method of tape casting in combination with an embossing method allows intricate radial ribs and bosses to be formed on each distribution member. The bosses serve as seals for the ports and allow the distribution members to be made without any horizontal internal ports.

Clark, Douglas J.↗

NASA NTRS2010

Solar cell circuit and method for manufacturing solar cells

The invention is a novel manufacturing method for making multi-junction solar cell circuits that addresses current problems associated with such circuits by allowing the formation of integral diodes in the cells and allows for a large number of circuits to readily be placed on a single silicon wafer substrate. The standard Ge wafer used as the base for multi-junction solar cells is replaced with a thinner layer of Ge or a II-V semiconductor material on a silicon/silicon dioxide substrate. This allows high-voltage cells with multiple multi-junction circuits to be manufactured on a single wafer, resulting in less array assembly mass and simplified power management.

Mardesich, Nick↗

NASA NTRS2012

Utilization of the Generalized Method of Cells to Analyze the Deformation Response of Laminated Ceramic Matrix Composites

In order to practically utilize ceramic matrix composites in aircraft engine components, robust analysis tools are required that can simulate the material response in a computationally efficient manner. The MAC/GMC software developed at NASA Glenn Research Center, based on the Generalized Method of Cells micromechanics method, has the potential to meet this need. Utilizing MAC/GMC, the effective stiffness properties, proportional limit stress and ultimate strength can be predicted based on the properties and response of the individual constituents. In this paper, the effective stiffness and strength properties for a representative laminated ceramic matrix composite with a large diameter fiber are predicted for a variety of fiber orientation angles and laminate orientations. As part of the analytical study, methods to determine the in-situ stiffness and strength properties of the constituents required to appropriately simulate the effective composite response are developed. The stiffness properties of the representative composite have been adequately predicted for all of the fiber orientations and laminate configurations examined in this study. The proportional limit stresses and strains and ultimate stresses and strains were predicted with varying levels of accuracy, depending on the laminate orientation. However, for the cases where the predictions did not have the desired level of accuracy, the specific issues related to the micromechanics theory were identified which could lead to difficulties that were encountered that could be addressed in future work.

Goldberg, Robert K.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Improved High/Low Junction Silicon Solar Cell

Method developed to raise value of open-circuit voltage in silicon solar cells by incorporating high/low junction in cell emitter. Power-conversion efficiency of low-resistivity silicon solar cell considerably less than maximum theoretical value mainly because open-circuit voltage is smaller than simple p/n junction theory predicts. With this method, air-mass-zero opencircuit voltage increased from 600 mV level to approximately 650 mV.

Neugroschel, A.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Enhanced Cultivation Of Stimulated Murine B Cells

Method of in vitro cultivation of large numbers of stimulated murine B lymphocytes. Cells electrofused with other cells to produce hybridomas and monoclonal antibodies. Offers several advantages: polyclonally stimulated B-cell blasts cultivated for as long as 14 days, hybridomas created throughout culture period, yield of hybridomas increases during cultivation, and possible to expand polyclonally in vitro number of B cells specific for antigenic determinants first recognized in vivo.

Sammons, David W.↗

NASA NTRS1969

Improved anode design for metal-oxygen cells

Method for returning electrolyte to the anode compartment in metal-oxygen second battery cells eliminates the problem of the anode drying out during charge-discharge cycling. Electrolyte forced out of the separator is returned to the anode by a microporous insert and wicking material.

Arrance, F. C.↗

NASA NTRS2013

Improved Cell Culture Method for Growing Contracting Skeletal Muscle Models

An improved method for culturing immature muscle cells (myoblasts) into a mature skeletal muscle overcomes some of the notable limitations of prior culture methods. The development of the method is a major advance in tissue engineering in that, for the first time, a cell-based model spontaneously fuses and differentiates into masses of highly aligned, contracting myotubes. This method enables (1) the construction of improved two-dimensional (monolayer) skeletal muscle test beds; (2) development of contracting three-dimensional tissue models; and (3) improved transplantable tissues for biomedical and regenerative medicine applications. With adaptation, this method also offers potential application for production of other tissue types (i.e., bone and cardiac) from corresponding precursor cells.

Marquette, Michele L.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Dual membrane hollow fiber fuel cell and method of operating same

A gaseous fuel cell is described which includes a pair of electrodes formed by open-ended, ion-exchange hollow fibers, each having a layer of metal catalyst deposited on the inner surface and large surface area current collectors such as braided metal mesh in contact with the metal catalyst layer. A fuel cell results when the electrodes are immersed in electrolytes and electrically connected. As hydrogen and oxygen flow through the bore of the fibers, oxidation and reduction reactions develop an electrical potential. Since the hollow fiber configuration provides large electrode area per unit volume and intimate contact between fuel and oxidizer at the interface, and due to the low internal resistance of the electrolyte, high power densities can be obtained.

Ingham, J. D.↗

NASA NTRS2020

Solution of the Nonlinear High-Fidelity Generalized Method of Cells Micromechanics Relations via Order-Reduction Techniques

The High-Fidelity Generalized Method of Cells (HFGMC) is one technique, distinct from traditional finite element approaches, for accurately simulating nonlinear composite material behavior. In this work, the HFGMC global system of equations for doubly-periodic repeating unit cells with nonlinear constituents has been reduced in size through the novel application of a Petrov-Galerkin Proper Orthogonal Decomposition order-reduction scheme in order to improve its computational efficiency. Order-reduced models of an E-glass/Nylon 12 composite led to a 4.8 to 6.3x speedup in the equation assembly/solution runtime while maintaining model accuracy. This corresponded to a 21 to 38 percent reduction in total runtime. The significant difference in assembly/solution and total runtimes was attributed to the evaluation of integration point inelastic field quantities; this step was identical between the unreduced and order-reduced models. Nonetheless, order-reduced techniques offer the potential to significantly improve the computational efficiency of multiscale calculations.

Ricks, Trenton M.↗

NASA NTRS1972

A reliable all-silver front contact for silicon solar cells.

Methods have been found to apply an adherent and humidity resistant silver-only front contact to n on p silicon solar cells. The critical processing step was the removal of the diffused oxide layer. Humidity resistance is superior to present day commercial titanium-silver contacts and the electrical characteristics of the cells are excellent. Titanium, which is degraded by humidity and which is a source of heavy metal poisoning, has been eliminated from the contact.

Lamneck, J. H., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Induced junction solar cell and method of fabrication

An induced junction solar cell is fabricated on a p-type silicon substrate by first diffusing a grid of criss-crossed current collecting n+ stripes and thermally growing a thin SiO2 film, and then, using silicon-rich chemical vapor deposition (CVD), producing a layer of SiO2 having inherent defects, such as silicon interstices, which function as deep traps for spontaneous positive charges. Ion implantation increases the stable positive charge distribution for a greater inversion layer in the p-type silicon near the surface. After etching through the oxide to parallel collecting stripes, a pattern of metal is produced consisting of a set of contact stripes over the exposed collecting stripes and a diamond shaped pattern which functions as a current collection bus. Then the reverse side is metallized.

Maserjian, J.↗