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At least 379 records · Page 21

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NASA NTRS1986

Cobalt Ions Improve the Strength of Epoxy Resins

Technique developed for improving mechanical strength of epoxy resins by adding cobalt ions in form of tris(acetylacetonato)cobalt (III) complex. Solid cast disks prepared from cobalt ion-containing epoxy resins tested for flexural strength and stiffness. Incorporation of cobalt ions into epoxies increased flexural strength of resins by 10 to 95 percent. Suitable resins for this technique include any liquid or solid TGMDA resins. Improved epoxy formulation proves useful as composite matrix resin, adhesive, or casting resin for applications on commercial and advanced aircraft.

Stoakley, D. M.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Deformation measurements of composite multi-span beam shear specimens by Moire interferometry

Experimental analyses were performed for determination of in plane deformations and shear strains in unidirectional and quasi-isotropic graphite-epoxy beams. Forty-eight ply beams were subjected to 5 point and 3 point flexure. Whole field measurements were recorded at load levels from about 20% to more than 90% of failure loads. Contour maps of U and W displacement fields were obtained by moire interferometry, using reference gratings of 2400 lines/mm. Clearly defined fringes with fringe orders exceeding 1000 were obtained. Whole field contour maps of shear strains were obtained by a method developed for these tests. Various anomalous effects were detected in the displacement fields. Their analysis indicated excess shear strains in resin rich zones in regions of shear tractions; free edge shear strains in quasi-isotropic specimens in regions of normal stresses; and shear stresses associated with cyclic shear compliances of quasi-isotropic plies in regions of shear tractions. Their contributions could occur independently or in superposition. Qualitative analyses addressed questions of relaxation; influence of contact stress distribution; specimen failure; effect of specimen overhang; nonlinearity; and qualities of 5 and 3 point flexure tests.

Post, D.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Long-term thermal aging of 2 graphite-polyimide composite materials

Two graphite/polyimide composite materials were aged in circulating air ovens at temperatures 204 C, 232 C, 260 C, and 288 C for various times up to 25000 hours. The composites were: (1) Celanese Celion 6000 graphite fiber and PMR-15 polyimide resin (Celion/PMR-15) and (2) Celion 6000 graphite fiber and LARC-160 polyimide resin (Celion/LARC-160). Three unidirectional specimen geometries were studied: short beam shear (SBS) specimens, flexure specimens, and 153 mm square panels. The interior regions of the square panels exhibited only minor property degradation. The individually aged SBS and flexure specimens exhibited large reductions in strengths after aging. Both laminate materials cracked and degraded preferentially at the specimen edge perpendicular to the fibers.

Nelson, J. B.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Elysium Region, Mars: Tests of Lithospheric Loading Models for the Formation of Tectonic Features

In an effort to constrain the tectonic history and mechanical properties of the lithosphere in the Elysium province, the stress fields predicted by different models are compared to the observed tectonic features of the region. The models are all products of volcanic loading of the Martian lithosphere, but at three different scales: global (Tharsis), regional (Elysium Planitia), and local (individual shields). Conclusions: The concentric graben surrounding Elysium Mons can be ascribed to the flexural response of an approximately 50-km-thick elastic lithosphere to loading by the volcano. No tectonic evidence for the support of larger-scale Elysium Planitia volcanic units by lithospheric flexure. The quasi-global loading of the Tharsis rise appears to have produced identifiable tectonic effects in the Elysium region.

Hall, J. L.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Vibration control of rotor shaft

Suppression of flexural forced vibration or the self-excited vibration of a rotating shaft system not by passive elements but by active elements is described. The distinctive feature of this method is not to dissipate the vibration energy but to provide the force cancelling the vibration displacement and the vibration velocity through the bearing housing in rotation. Therefore the bearings of this kind are appropriately named Active Control Bearings. A simple rotor system having one disk at the center of the span on flexible supports is investigated in this paper. The actuators of the electrodynamic transducer are inserted in the sections of the bearing housing. First, applying the optimal regulator of optimal control theory, the flexural vibration control of the rotating shaft and the vibration control of support systems are performed by the optimal state feedback system using these actuators. Next, the quasi-modal control based on a modal analysis is applied to this rotor system. This quasi-modal control system is constructed by means of optimal velocity feedback loops. The differences between optimal control and quasi-modal control are discussed and their merits and demerits are made clear. Finally, the experiments are described concerning only the optimal regulator method.

Nonami, K.↗

NASA NTRS1985

A rotating electrical transfer device

The design, development, and performance characteristics of two roll ring configurations - a roll ring being a device used in transferring electrical energy across a continuously rotating or oscillating interface through one or more flexible rolling contacts, or flexures are described. Emphasis is placed on the design problems and solutions encountered during development in the areas of flexure fatigue, contact electroplating, electrical noise, and control of interface geometry. Also, the present status of each configuration is summarized.

Porter, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Effect of hot isostatic pressing on reaction-bonded silicon nitride

Specimens of nearly theoretical density have been obtained through the isostatic hot pressing of reaction-bonded silicon nitride under 138 MPa of pressure for two hours at 1850, 1950, and 2050 C. An amorphous phase that is introduced by the hot isostatic pressing partly accounts for the fact that while room temperature flexural strength more than doubles, the 1200 C flexural strength increases significantly only after pressing at 2050 C.

Watson, G. K.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Phosphorus-containing imide resins - Modification by elastomers

The syntheses and general features of addition-type maleimide resins based on bis(m-aminophenyl)phosphine oxide and tris(m-aminophenyl)phosphine oxide have been reported previously. These resins have been used to fabricate graphite cloth laminates having excellent flame resistance. These composites did not burn even in pure oxygen. However, these resins were somewhat brittle. This paper reports the modification of these phosphorus-containing resins by an amine-terminated butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer (ATBN) and a perfluoroalkylene diaromatic amine elastomer (3F). An approximately two-fold increase in short beam shear strength and flexural strength was observed at 7 percent ATBN concentration. The tensile, flexural, and shear strengths were reduced when 18 percent ATBN was used. Anaerobic char yields of the resins at 800 C and the limiting oxygen indexes of the laminates decreased with increasing ATBN concentration. The perfluorodiamine (3F) was used with both imide resins at 6.4 percent concentration. The shear strength was doubled in the case of the bisimide with no loss of flammability characteristics. The modified trisimide laminate also had improved properties over the unmodified one. The dynamic mechanical analysis of a four-ply laminate indicated a glass transition temperature above 300 C. Scanning electron micrographs of the ATBN modified imide resins were also recorded.

Varma, I. K.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Semi-2-interpenetrating polymer networks of high temperature systems

A semi-interpenetrating (semi-IPN) polymer system of the semi-2-IPN type is described in which a polymer of acetylene-terminated imidesulfone (ATPISO2) is cross linked in the presence of polyimidesulfone (PISO2). Six different formulations obtained by mixing of either ATPISO2-1n or ATPISO2-3n with PISO2 in three different proportions were characterized in terms of glass transition temperature, thermooxidative stability, inherent viscosity, and dynamic mechanical properties. Adhesive (lap shear) strength was tested at elevated temperatures on aged samples of adhesive scrim cloth prepared from each resin. Woven graphite (Celion 1000)/polyimide composites were tested for flexural strength, flexural modulus, and shear strength. The network polymers have properties intermediate between those of the component polymers alone, have greatly improved processability over either polyimide, and are able to form good adhesive bonds and composites, making the semi-2-IPN systems superior materials for aerospace structures.

Hanky, A. O.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Fracture of yttria-doped, sintered reaction-bonded silicon nitride

Flexural strength of an yttria-doped, slip-cast, sintered reaction-bonded silicon nitride was evaluated as a function of temperature (20 to 1400 C in air), applied stress, and time. Static oxidation at 700 to 1400 C was investigated in detail; in tests at 1000 C in air, the material showed anomalous weight gain. Flexural stress-rupture testing at 800 to 1200 C in air indicated that the material is susceptible to stress-enhanced oxidation and early failure. Fractographic evidence for time-dependent and -independent failures is presented.

Govila, R. K.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Evaluation of alpha-SiC sintering using statistical methods

The effect of time and temperature on the density and strength of alpha-SiC was studied and mathematically modeled using a central composite experimental design. A sintering temperature of 2150 C for 1.7 h maximized the flexural strength and densification values. However, temperatures above 2200 C promoted abnormal grain growth, with resulting appreciable decreases in strength. Flexural strength increased exponentially with increasing density for specimens with densities less than or equal to 92 percent of theoretical.

Hurst, J. B.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Clip-On Extensometer

Flexural clamp eliminates problems of operator variability. Extensometer opens and closes like clothespin and placed easily on specimen. Dimensions of block specimen are 1 by 1 by 2.2 inches (2.54 by 2.54 by 5.59 centimeters). By constructing central flexure units of various widths, one adapts extensometer to handle specimens ranging from thin strips to those many inches thick. New design reduces measurement errors caused by variability among test operators.

Holmes, A. M. C.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Properties of autoclaved Gr/PI composites made from improved tack PMR-15 prepreg

Autoclave processing studies were conducted, using improved tack PMR-15 prepreg, to determine the effect of tack enhancing PMR resin modifications on composite processability and mechanical properties. Improved tack graphite fiber reinforced PMR-15 prepregs were prepared and exposed to ambient conditions for various times and then autoclave molded into composites. Composite specimens were prepared and tested for flexural and interlaminar shear strengths at room temperature and 316 C. The retention of flexural and interlaminar shear strength as a function of exposure in air at 316 C was also determined. The results show that the modified PMR resin solutions provide prepreg with improved tack and drape retention characteristics without adversely affecting processability or mechanical properties of autoclave molded graphite fiber reinforced PMR-15 composites.

Vannucci, R. D.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Surface protection of graphite fabric/PMR-15 composites subjected to thermal oxidation

Graphite fabric/PMR-15 laminates develop matrix cracks during long-term exposure in air at temperatures in the range of 500 to 600 F. This study was performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of incorporating graphite mat surface plies as a means of reducing the developing of matrix cracks. Celion 3000 graphite fabric/PMR-15 laminates were fabricated with graphite or graphite mat/325-mesh boron powder surface plies. Laminates without mat surface plies were also fabricated for control purposes. Composite flexural strength, flexural modulus, and interlaminar shear strength were determined at 288 C before and after long-term exposure (up to 1500 hr) in air at 316 C. The results of this study showed that the incorporation of graphite mat surface plies reduces matrix cracking and improves the elevated temperature mechanical property retention characteristics of the composites.

Hanson, M. P.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Specimen geometry effects on graphite/PMR-15 composites during thermo-oxidative aging

Studies were conducted to establish the effects of specimen geometry on the thermo-oxidative stability and the mechanical properties retention of unidirectional Celion 12000 graphite fiber reinforced PMR-15 polyimide composites. Weight loss, flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength are measured at isothermal aging times as long as 1639 hr at a temperature of 316 C for three different specimen geometries. It is found that the three different types of specimen surfaces exhibit different values of weight loss/unit area. The mechanical properties retention is also found to be dependent on geometry for these composites. The interlaminar shear strength decreases significantly over the complete range of aging times. The flexural strength retention starts showing geometric dependency after about 1000 hr of aging at 316C. Weight loss fluxes, associated with the three different types of exposed surfaces, are calculated and used to develop an empirical mathematical model for predicting the weight loss behavior of unidirectional composites of arbitrary geometries. Data are presented comparing experimentally determined weight loss with weight loss values predicted using the empirical model.

Bowles, K. J.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Improved consolidation of silicon carbide

Alpha silicon carbide powder was consolidated by both dry and wet methods. Dry pressing in a double acting steel die yielded sintered test bars with an average flexural strength of 235.6 MPa with a critical flaw size of approximately 100 micro m. An aqueous slurry pressing technique produced sintered test bars with an average flexural strength of 440.8 MPa with a critical flaw size of approximately 25 micro m. Image analysis revealed a reduction in both pore area and pore size distribution in the slurry pressed sintered test bars. The improvements in the slurry pressed material properties are discussed in terms of reduced agglomeration and improved particle packing during consolidation.

Freedman, M. R.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Elbow and knee joint for hard space suits

An elbow or knee joint for a hard space suit or similar usage is formed of three serially connected rigid sections which have truncated spherical configurations. The ends of each section form solid geometric angles, and the sections are interconnected by hermetically sealed ball bearings. The outer two sections are fixed together for rotation in a direction opposite to rotation of the center section. A preferred means to make the outer sections track each other in rotation comprises a rotatable continuous bead chain which engages sockets circumferentially spaced on the facing sides of the outer races of the bearings. The joint has a single pivot point and the bearing axes are always contained in a single plane for any articulation of the joint. Thus flexure of the joint simulates the coplanar flexure of the knee or elbow and is not susceptible to lockup.

Vykukal, H. C.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Sintering and properties of Si3N4 with and without additives by HIP treatment

Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) of Si3N4 powders with and without additives was performed using a glass container, and various kinds of pressureless-sintered Si3N4 were HIP'ed without a container. The effects of HIP treatment on density, microstructure, flexural strength, microhardness, and fracture toughness on Si3N4 ceramics were studied. Using a glass container it was difficult to reach theoretical density. The microhardness of HIP'ed Si3N4 without additives was low, and the fracture toughness of HIP'ed Si3N4 with and without additives was 22 to 25 W/m-K, and it decreased with increasing the amount of additives. The density and flexural strength, and hardness of pressureless-sintered Si3N4 which contained Al2O and Y2O3 as oxide additives were remarkably improved by HIP treatment using nitrogen as a pressure transmitting gas. It is very important to select the sintering conditions for fabricating the presintered body of Si3N4 in order to improve the mechanical properties of Si3N4 by HIP treatment.

Kuratani, S.↗