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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2001

The Summer 1997 Eruption at Pillan Patera on Io: Implications for Ultrabasic Lava Flow Emplacement

Galileo data and numerical modeling were used to investigate the summer 1997 eruption at Pillan Patera on Io. This event, now defined as 'Pillanian' eruption style, included a high-temperature (greater than 1600 C), possibly ultrabasic, 140-km-high plume eruption that deposited dark, orthopyroxene-rich pyroclastic material over greater than 125,000 sq km, followed by emplacement of dark flow-like material over greater than 3100 sq km to the north of the caldera. We estimate that the high-temperature, energetic episode of this eruption had a duration of 52- 167 days between May and September 1997, with peak eruption temperatures around June 28, 1997. Galileo 20 m/pixel images of part of the Pillan flow field show a widespread, rough, pitted surface that is unlike any flow surface we have seen before. We suggest that th.s surface may have resulted from (1) a fractured lava crust formed during rapid, low-viscosity lava surging, perhaps including turbulent flow emplacement; (2) disruption of the lava flow by explosive interaction with a volatile-rich substrate: or (3) a combination of 1 and 2 with or without accumulation of pyroclastic materials on the surface. Well-developed flow lobes are observed, suggesting that this is a relatively distal part of the flow field. Shadow measurements at flow margins indicate a thickness of approx. 8-10 m. We have modeled the emplacement of putative ultrabasic flows from the summer 1997 Pillan eruption using constraints from new Galileo data. Results suggest that either laminar sheet flows or turbulent channelized flows could have traveled 50-150 km on a flat. unobstructed surface, which is consistent with the estimated length of the Pillan flow field (approx. 60 km). Our modeling suggests low thermal erosion rates (less than 0.1 m/d), and that the formation of deep (greater than 20 m) erosion channels was unlikely, especially distal to the source. We calculate a volumetric flow rate of approx. 2-7 x l0(exp 3) cu m/s, which is greater than those for typical Mauna Loa/Kilauea flows but comparable to those for the (1783) Laki eruption and the inferred flow rates of the Roza flows in the Columbia River flood basalts. The differences in ultrabasic eruption styles on Earth and Io appear to be controlled by the different eruption environments: Plumes at sites of ultrabasic eruptions on Io suggest strong magma-volatile: interactions on a low-gravity body lacking an atmosphere, whereas the geology at sites of komatiite eruptions on Earth suggest mostly submarine emplacement of thick flows with a pronounced lack of subaerial explosive activity.

Williams, David A.↗
NASA NTRS2001

The Summer 1997 Eruption at Pillan Patera on Io: Implications for Ultrabasic Lava Flow Emplacement

Galileo data and numerical modeling were used to investigate the summer 1977 eruption at Pillan Patera on Io. This event, now defined as "Pillanian" eruption style, included a high-temperature (greater than 1600 C), possible ultrabasic , 140-km-high plume eruption that deposited dark, orthopyroxene-rich pyroclastic material over greater than 125,000 sq km, followed by emplacement of dark flow-like material over greater than 3100 sq km to the north of the caldera. We estimate that the high-temperature, energetic episode of this eruption had a duration of 52 - 167 days between May and September 1997, with peak eruption temperatures around June 28, 1997. Galileo 20 m/pixel images of part of the Pillan flow field show a wide-spread, rough, pitted surface that is unlike any flow surface we have seen before. We suggest that this surface may have resulted from: 1. A fractured lava crust formed during rapid, low-viscosity lava surging, perhaps including turbulent flow emplacement. 2. Disruption of the lava flow by explosive interaction with a volatile-rich substrate. or 3. A combination of 1 and 2 with or without accumulation of pyroclastic material on the surface. Well-developed flow lobes are observed, suggesting that this is a relatively distant part of the flow field.Shadow measurements at flow margins indicate a thickness of-8 - 10 m. We have modeled the emplacement of putative ultrabasic flow from the summer 1997 Pillan eruption using constraints from new Galileo data. Results suggest that either laminar sheet flows or turbulent channelized flows could have traveled 50 - 150 km on a flat, unobstructed surface, which is consistent with the estimated length of the Pillan flow field (approx. 60 km). Our modeling suggests low thermal erosion rates (less than 4.1 m/d), and that the formation of deep (greater than 20 m) erosion channels was unlikely, especially distal to the source. We calculate a volumetric flow rate of approx. 2 - 7 x 10(exp 3)cu m/s, which is greater than those for typical Mauna Loa/Kilaueaq flows but comparable to those for the (1783) Laki eruption and the inferred flow rates of the Roza flows in the Columbia River flood basalts. The differences in ultrabasic eruption styles on Earth and Io appear to be controlled by the different eruption environments; Plumes at sites of ultrabasic eruptions on Io suggest strong magma-volatile interactions on a low-gravity body lacking an atmosphere, whereas the geology at sites of komatiite eruptions on Earth suggest mostly submarine emplacement of thick flows with a pronounced lack of subaerial explosive activity.

Williams, David A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Strength and toughness of composite materials based on nickel aluminide matrices

Several nickel aluminide matrix composites were prepared using vacuum hot pressing techniques. The matrix compositions, based on Ni3Al, Ni3Al+B, and NiAl, were reinforced with 10 vol pct TiB2 particles. Both smooth- and notched-bend tests were conducted at room temperature on the monolithic as well as the reinforced materials in order to determine the effects of TiB2 reinforcement on both the smooth-bend and notched-bend properties. TiB2 additions were shown to improve the smooth-bend strengths regardless of the matrix composition, while notched-bend tests, conducted to provide estimates of fracture toughness, revealed somewhat lower values for the composites in comparison to the monolithic materials. Fractographic analyses and in situ fracture observations of the composites revealed that preferential fracture in regions of clustered TiB2 particles may significantly affect the measured toughnesses.

Rigney, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Mixed mode stress-intensity-factors in mode-3 loaded middle crack tension specimen

A three dimensional stress analysis of a middle-crack tension specimen subjected to mode-3 type loading was performed using fracture mechanics based finite element code FRAC3D. Three-dimensional stress intensity factors were calculated for a range of specimen thicknesses that represent the structures used in aerospace and nuclear industries. Calculated SIF for very thick specimen (thickness-to-crack length b/a greater than or equal to 30) agreed very well with the antiplane solution in the literature. The K(sub II) stress field exists near the intersection of the crack front and free surface in a boundary-layer region covers the complete thickness of the plate and K(sub II) dominates all through the thickness. For very thin plates (b/a is less than .1), the average K(sub II) is larger than K(sub III) (about 25% for b/a = 0.1).

Shivakumar, Kunigal N.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Crack Growth Simulation and Residual Strength Prediction in Airplane Fuselages

This is the final report for the NASA funded project entitled "Crack Growth Prediction Methodology for Multi-Site Damage." The primary objective of the project was to create a capability to simulate curvilinear fatigue crack growth and ductile tearing in aircraft fuselages subjected to widespread fatigue damage. The second objective was to validate the capability by way of comparisons to experimental results. Both objectives have been achieved and the results are detailed herein. In the first part of the report, the crack tip opening angle (CTOA) fracture criterion, obtained and correlated from coupon tests to predict fracture behavior and residual strength of built-up aircraft fuselages, is discussed. Geometrically nonlinear, elastic-plastic, thin shell finite element analyses are used to simulate stable crack growth and to predict residual strength. Both measured and predicted results of laboratory flat panel tests and full-scale fuselage panel tests show substantial reduction of residual strength due to the occurrence of multi-site damage (MSD). Detailed comparisons of n stable crack growth history, and residual strength between the predicted and experimental results are used to assess the validity of the analysis methodology. In the second part of the report, issues related to crack trajectory prediction in thin shells; an evolving methodology uses the crack turning phenomenon to improve the structural integrity of aircraft structures are discussed, A directional criterion is developed based on the maximum tangential stress theory, but taking into account the effect of T-stress and fracture toughness orthotropy. Possible extensions of the current crack growth directional criterion to handle geometrically and materially nonlinear problems are discussed. The path independent contour integral method for T-stress evaluation is derived and its accuracy is assessed using a p- and hp-version adaptive finite element method. Curvilinear crack growth is simulated in coupon tests and in full-scale fuselage panel tests. Both T-stress and fracture toughness orthotropy are found to be essential to predict the observed crack paths. The analysis methodology and software program (FRANC3D/STAGS) developed herein allows engineers to maintain aging aircraft economically while insuring continuous airworthiness. Consequently, it will improve the technology to support the safe operation of the current aircraft fleet as well as the design of more damage-tolerant aircraft for the next generation fleet.

Chen, Chuin-Shan↗
NASA NTRS2001

Development of Advanced Life Prediction Tools for Elastic-Plastic Fatigue Crack Growth

The objective of this viewgraph presentation is to develop a systematic approach to improving the fracture control process, including analytical tools, standards, guidelines, and awareness. Analytical tools specifically for elastic-plastic fracture analysis is a regime that is currently empirical for the Space Shuttle External Tank (ET) and is handled by simulated service testing of pre-cracked panels.

Gregg, Wayne↗
NASA NTRS1975

An investigation of fracture toughness, fatigue-crack growth, sustained-load flaw growth, and impact properties of three pressure vessel steels

The elastic fracture toughness of the three steels is shown to not decrease significantly with decreasing temperature from room temperature to about 244 K (-20 F.). The elastic fracture toughness of the three steels increased with increasing specimen width and thickness. The fatigue-crack-growth data for all three steels fall into relatively narrow scatter bands on plots of rate against stress-intensity range. An equation is shown to predict the upper bounds of the scatter bands reasonably well. Charpy impact energies decreased with decreasing temperature in the nominal temperature range from room temperature to 244 K (-20 F). The nil-ductility temperatures of the steels are discussed.

Hudson, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Modeling Composite Laminate Crushing for Crash Analysis

Crash modeling of composite structures remains limited in application and has not been effectively demonstrated as a predictive tool. While the global response of composite structures may be well modeled, when composite structures act as energy-absorbing members through direct laminate crushing the modeling accuracy is greatly reduced. The most efficient composite energy absorbing structures, in terms of energy absorbed per unit mass, are those that absorb energy through a complex progressive crushing response in which fiber and matrix fractures on a small scale dominate the behavior. Such failure modes simultaneously include delamination of plies, failure of the matrix to produce fiber bundles, and subsequent failure of fiber bundles either in bending or in shear. In addition, the response may include the significant action of friction, both internally (between delaminated plies or fiber bundles) or externally (between the laminate and the crushing surface). A figure shows the crushing damage observed in a fiberglass composite tube specimen, illustrating the complexity of the response. To achieve a finite element model of such complex behavior is an extremely challenging problem. A practical crushing model based on detailed modeling of the physical mechanisms of crushing behavior is not expected in the foreseeable future. The present research describes attempts to model composite crushing behavior using a novel hybrid modeling procedure. Experimental testing is done is support of the modeling efforts, and a test specimen is developed to provide data for validating laminate crushing models.

Fleming, David C.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Panel-Stiffener Debonding and Analysis Using a Shell/3D Modeling Technique

A shear loaded, stringer reinforced composite panel is analyzed to evaluate the fidelity of computational fracture mechanics analyses of complex structures. Shear loading causes the panel to buckle. The resulting out-of-plane deformations initiate skin/stringer separation at the location of an embedded defect. The panel and surrounding load fixture were modeled with shell elements. A small section of the stringer foot, web and noodle as well as the panel skin near the delamination front were modeled with a local 3D solid model. Across the width of the stringer foot, the mixed-mode strain energy release rates were calculated using the virtual crack closure technique. A failure index was calculated by correlating the results with a mixed-mode failure criterion of the graphite/epoxy material. The objective was to study the effect of the fidelity of the local 3D finite element model on the computed mixed-mode strain energy release rates and the failure index.

Krueger, Ronald↗
NASA NTRS2008

Panel Stiffener Debonding Analysis using a Shell/3D Modeling Technique

A shear loaded, stringer reinforced composite panel is analyzed to evaluate the fidelity of computational fracture mechanics analyses of complex structures. Shear loading causes the panel to buckle. The resulting out -of-plane deformations initiate skin/stringer separation at the location of an embedded defect. The panel and surrounding load fixture were modeled with shell elements. A small section of the stringer foot, web and noodle as well as the panel skin near the delamination front were modeled with a local 3D solid model. Across the width of the stringer fo to, the mixed-mode strain energy release rates were calculated using the virtual crack closure technique. A failure index was calculated by correlating the results with a mixed-mode failure criterion of the graphite/epoxy material. The objective was to study the effect of the fidelity of the local 3D finite element model on the computed mixed-mode strain energy release rates and the failure index.

Krueger, Ronald↗
NASA NTRS2012

Rotary Percussive Sample Acquisition Tool

As part of a potential Mars Sample Return campaign NASA is studying a sample caching mission to Mars, with a possible 2018 launch opportunity. As such, a Sample Acquisition Tool (SAT) has been developed in support of the Integrated Mars Sample Acquisition and Handling (IMSAH) architecture as it relates to the proposed Mars Sample Return (MSR) campaign. The tool allows for core generation and capture directly into a sample tube. In doing so, the sample tube becomes the fundamental handling element within the IMSAH sample chain reducing the risk associated with sample contamination as well as the need to handle a sample of unknown geometry. The tool's functionality was verified utilizing a proposed rock test suite that encompasses a series of rock types that have been utilized in the past to qualify Martian surface sampling hardware. The corresponding results have shown the tool can effectively generate, fracture, and capture rock cores while maintaining torque margins of no less than 50% with an average power consumption of no greater than 90W and a tool mass of less than 6kg.

Sample Acquisition and Caching (SAC)↗
NASA NTRS2024

Physics of the Seasonal Sea Ice Zone

The seasonal sea ice zone encompasses the region between the winter maximum and summer minimum sea ice extent. In both the Arctic and Antarctic, the majority of the ice cover can now be classified as seasonal. Here, we review the sea ice physics that governs the evolution of seasonal sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctic, spanning sea ice growth, melt, and dynamics and including interactions with ocean surface waves as well as other coupled processes. The advent of coupled wave–ice modeling and discrete-element modeling, together with improved and expanded satellite observations and field campaigns, has yielded advances in process understanding. Many topics remain in need of further investigation, including rheologies appropriate for seasonal sea ice, wave-induced sea ice fracture, welding for sea ice freeze-up, and the distribution of snow on seasonal sea ice. Future research should aim to redress biases (such as disparities in focus between the Arctic and Antarctic and between summer and winter processes) and connect observations to modeling across spatial scales.

sea ice↗
NASA NTRS1972

Analysis of stress-rupture data from S-glass composites.

Both composite and free strands have been tested to study matrix effectiveness. Glass from different lots were used, and processing parameters were varied to demonstrate the effects of material variability. The statistical patterns that emerge from these experiments show that lifetime distributions are characteristically skewed. As a class, the lifetime distributions are well approximated by the reduced form of the Weibull distribution. The strength retention data display little early degradation. The retained-strength distributions can also be classed as Weibull distributions. A statistical model applied to the data gives predictions of progressive failure, strength retention path, and expected life for two basic types of internal fracture processes.

Robinson, E. Y.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Mechanical properties of Al-mica particulate composite material

Cast aluminum alloy mica particle composites of varying mica content were tested in tension, compression, and impact. With 2.2 percent mica (size range 40-120 microns) the tensile and compression strengths of aluminum alloy decreased by 56 and 22 percent, respectively. The corresponding decreases in percent elongation and percent reduction are 49 and 39 percent. Previous work shows that despite this decrease in strength the composite with 2.5 percent mica and having an UTS of 15 kg/sq mm and compression strength of 28 kg/sq mm performs well as a bearing material under severe running conditions. The differences in strength characteristics of cast aluminum-mica particle composites between tension and compression suggests that, as in cast iron, expansion of voids at the matrix particle interface may be the guiding mechanism of the deformation. SEM studies show that on the tensile fractured specimen surface, there are large voids at the particle matrix interface.

Nath, D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Impact fracture experiments simulating interstellar grain-grain collisions

Oxide and silicate grains condensing during the early phases of the formation of the solar system or in the outflow of stars are exposed to high partial pressures of the low-z elements H, C, N and O and their simple gaseous compounds. Though refractory minerals are nominally anhydrous and non-carbonate, if they crystallize in the presence of H2O, N2 and CO or CO2 gases, they dissolve traces of the gaseous components. The question arises: How does the presence of dissolved gases or gas components manifest itself when grain-grain collisions occur. What are the gases emitted when grains are shattered during a collision event. Researchers report on fracture experiments in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV, approximately less than 10 to the -8th power mbar) designed to measure (by means of a quadrupole mass spectrometer, QMS, with microns to ms time resolution) the emission of gases and vapors during and after impact (up to 1.5 sec). Two terrestrial materials were chosen which represent structural and compositional extremes: olivine (San Carlos, AZ), a densely packed Mg-Fe(2+) silicate from the upper mantle, available as 6 to 12 mm single crystals, and obsidian (Oregon), a structurally open, alkaline-SiO2-rich volcanic glass. In the olivine crystals OH- groups have been identified spectroscopically, as well as H2 molecules. Obsidian is a water-rich glass containing OH- besides H2O molecules. Olivine from the mantle often contains CO2, either as CO2-rich fluid in fluid inclusions or structurally dissolved or both. By analogy to synthetic glasses CO2 in the obsidian may be present in form of CO2 molecules in voids of molecular dimensions, or as carbonate anions, CO3(2-). No organic molecules have been detected spectroscopically in either material. Results indicate that refractory oxide/silicates which contain dissolved traces of the H2O and CO/CO2 components but no spectroscopically detectable traces of organics may release complex H-C-O (possibly H-C-N-O) molecules upon fracture, plus metal vapor. This points: (1) at complex reaction mechanisms between dissolved H2O, CO/CO2 (and N2) components within the mineral structure or during fracture, and (2) at the possibility that similar emission processes occur following grain-grain collisions in interstellar dust clouds.

Freund, Friedemann↗
NASA NTRS1984

An elastic-plastic finite element analysis of crack initiation, stable crack growth, and instability

Studies have been conducted to develop efficient techniques to simulate crack extension and to examine various local and global fracture criteria. Of the considered criteria, the crack-tip-opening angle (CTOA) or displacement (CTOD) at a specified distance from the crack tip was shown to be most suited for modeling stable crack growth and instability during the fracture process. The results obtained in a number of studies show the necessity for studying different crack configurations when assessing the validity of any fracture criteria. One of the objectives of the present investigation is related to a critical evaluation of the CTOD growth criterion using an elastic-plastic finite element analysis under monotonic loading to failure. The analysis was found to predict three stages of crack growth behavior under monotonic loading to failure. Calculated CTOD values agreed well with experimental values for crack growth initiation.

Newman, J. C., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The relationship of extensional and compressional tectonics to a Precambrian fracture system in the eastern overthrust belt, USA

The central and southern Appalachians have a long history of interrelated extensional and compressional tectonics. It is proposed that each episode was controlled by a reactivation of a fracture system in the Precambrian basement. Proprietary seismic-reflection profiles show a system of down-to-the-east Precambrian extensional faults. When under renewed extension, these faults produce features such as the western border faults of Mesozoic basins, and when under compression, probably produce tectonic ramps in the overlying sedimentary cover rocks as well as the spatially and genetically related Alleghenian folds. This system, which parallels the Appalachian trend, is cut by a system of cross-strike hinge or scissors faults that have probable strike-slip movements. Reactivation of this cross-strike system appears to have produced lateral ramps that connect decollements at different stratigraphic levels and caused abrupt changes in fold wavelength along strikes. Continued reactivation of this cross-strike system is suggested by east-west border faults and Precambrian highs between Mesozoic basins. The present activity of this system is suggested by the fact that more than 35% of recent earthquakes are coincident with cross-strike faults and lateral ramps.

Pohn, H.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Super-Zip separation joint performance investigation

Following functional failures of two of five Lockheed Super-Zip spacecraft separation joints in a development test series to quantify thermal effects, an investigation program was initiated on this and related systems to assist in preventing recurrence. The Super-Zip joint, applied in a ring configuration, utilizes an explosively expanded tube to fracture surrounding prenotched aluminum plates to achieve planar separation. A unique test method was developed and more than 300 individual test firings were conducted to provide an understanding of severance mechanisms, the functional performance effects of system variables, and the most likely cause of system failure. An approach for defining functional margin was developed, as well as specific recommendations for improving existing and future systems.

Bement, Laurence J.↗