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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 397 records · Page 22
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1998

Influence of Impactor Mass on the Damage Characteristics and Failure Strength of Laminated Composite Plates

The results of an experimental study of the effect of impactor mass on the low-speed impact response of laminated flat composite plates is presented. Dropped weight impact response, damage characteristics, and residual strengths of quasi-isotropic flat plates are presented for a range of energy levels by systematically varying the mass of the impactor. Measured contact forces and damage areas are also presented. The results indicate that the contact force and damage area are nonlinear functions of the impactor mass and vary considerably over the entire range of energy levels considered. The different damage levels induced in a plate specimen when impacted at a given energy level with impactors of different masses significantly influence its compressive residual strength. The results provide clear and consistent trends in contact force, damage area, and compression-after-impact strength when the data are expressed as a function of the impactor momentum.

Ambur, Damodar R.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Measurement of magnetic dipole strength in 40 Ar between 9.3 and 10.3 MeV excitation energy and impact on neutral current neutrino interaction

The magnetic dipole strength 𝐵⁡(𝑀⁢1 ↑) of 40 Ar was measured in the excitation energy range between 9.3 and 10.3 MeV. The nuclear resonance fluorescence technique was used with monoenergetic, linearly polarized incident photon beams. The new data increase the known 𝐵⁡(𝑀⁢1 ↑) strength in this important excitation energy range by a factor of 2, resulting in an equivalent increase of the calculated neutral current neutrino cross section of 40 Ar . This observation is of special interest for liquid-argon (LAr)-based neutrino detectors. 𝐵⁡(𝑀⁢1 ↑) strength has not been found between 10.3 and 11.7 MeV excitation energy. In conclusion, with the new data, a more reliable detection capability of the large Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment LAr detectors can be derived for potential core-collapse supernova neutrinos via the neutral current interaction.

Energy levels↗
DOE OSTI2025

Ultrafast Dynamics of Plasmon-Coupled Excitons in Semiconducting Nanoplatelets

Exciton-plasmon coupling in nanomaterials produces many relevant phenomena for photonics applications including increased light-matter interactions, enhanced radiative rates of quantum emitters, and coherent energy exchange. In the case of exciton coupling to surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), dispersive interactions controlled by the wavevector of optical excitation create the opportunity for tunable optical emission. Strong temporal impacts on exciton lifetimes can also occur in coupled systems, creating the opportunity for ultrafast control of exciton lifetime via changes in electronic coupling magnitude to a dispersive SPP. The coupling strength can be impacted by the morphology of the nanomaterials. Here, in this study, we utilize colloidal semiconductor nanoplatelets deposited onto thin silver plasmonic films, and compare the results to semiconductor quantum dots deposited on the silver films. We map the dispersion of the coupled systems and measure the ultrafast transient absorption response of the coupled systems. Due to the larger interaction areas of the nanoplatelets that lie flat on the silver films, a greater degree of coupling is found for the nanoplatelets, and much faster temporal responses are found as compared to quantum dots. Fresnel theory calculations that incorporate heavy and light hole features can reproduce the dispersion of the nanoplatelet-silver film, and a simple three-state model is developed to provide insights into the nature of the coupling at different photon energies along the dispersion curve.

colloidal semiconductor nanoplatelets↗
NASA NTRS1986

Effects of partial interlaminar bonding on impact resistance and loaded-hole behavior of graphite/epoxy quasi-isotropic laminates

A partial-bonding interlaminar toughening concept was evaluated for resistance to impact and for behavior of a loaded hole. Perforated Mylar sheets were interleaved between all 24 plies of a graphite/epoxy quasi-isotropic lay-up. Specimens were impacted by aluminum spheres while under tensile or compressive loads. Impact-failure thresholds and residual strengths were obtained. Loaded-hole specimens were tested in three configurations that were critical in bearing, shear, or tension. Partial bonding reduced the tensile and compressive strengths of undamaged specimens by about one-third. For impact, partial bonding did not change the threshold for impact failure under tensile preload. However, under compressive preload, partial bonding caused serious degradation of impact resistance. Partial bonding reduced the maximum load-carrying capacity of all three types of loaded-hole specimens. Overall, partial bonding degraded both impact resistance and bearing strength of holes.

Illg, W.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Postbuckling and failure characteristics of stiffened graphite-epoxy shear webs

Results are presented from an experimental study of the postbuckling response and failure characteristics of flat, stiffened graphite-epoxy shear webs in which attention was given to the influence of stiffener attachment concepts, circular holes, and low speed impact damage on postbuckling performance. The laminate specimens chosen for testing are typical of those employed for transport aircraft primary structures. Test results show that low speed impact damage midway between stiffeners initiated specimen failure; the strength of an impact-damaged specimen was less than that of the corresponding control specimen.

Rouse, Marshall↗
NASA NTRS1983

Oscillator strengths and collision strengths for S II

Calculations are presented of the collision strengths for electron impact excitation of S II from the ground 3s(2)3p(3)(4)S0 state to excited states 3s3p(4)(4)p, 3s(2(3p(2)4s(4)P, and 3s(2)3p(2)3d(4)P. The collision strengths are calculated in a close-coupling approximate ion for the energy range up to 10 to the 6th K. In addition, oscillator strengths are given for these transitions, as well as for some UV lines which have lower states 3s(2)3p(3)(2)D(O) and 3s(2)3p(3)(2)P(0). The calculation of the collision strengths involves the use of configuration interaction target wave functions which give oscillator strengths accurate to 30 percent in most cases.

Ho, Y. K.↗
DOE OSTI2019

Development of Green Composites Based on Polypropylene and Corncob Agricultural Residue

Green composites of polypropylene (PP) and corncob (CCB) agricultural residue with CCB content ranging from 5 to 30 wt% were compounded by melt extrusion and their properties investigated by density measurements, thermogravimetric analyses, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tension, flexural and impact properties. Properties were dependent on CCB content. SEM micrographs showed that PP/CCB composites are composed of all layers of the corncob, but with a higher content of woody ring and pith. Composites with CCB up to 20 wt% presented particles evenly dispersed into PP matrix and density values ranging from 0.929 to 1.026 g/cm{sup 3}. Thermal analyses showed that CCB is thermally stable up to 200 °C, ensuring that no degradation took place during processing, and PP/CCB composites are more crystalline than neat PP. Tensile strength and elongation at break of the composites decreased respectively from 30 to 20 MPa, and 22.7 to 3.7%, and the elastic modulus increased while the impact strength remained practically constant at 14 J/m for the filling contents tested. Elastic and flexural moduli increased respectively from 906 MPa to 1.1 GPa and from to 1.26 to 1.81 GPa with corncob addition.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Impact Experiments into Granular Targets Containing Solitary Blocks of Varying Strength and Size

Crater scaling relationships provide a means to correlate dimensions of laboratory-scale impact experiments to naturally formed craters at planetary scales. For relatively larger impact events, where gravity is the dominant arresting force against crater growth, these scaling relations are comparatively simple. For smaller craters, however, the target properties have increasing influence over the cratering process. Further complexities are easily envisaged when considering realistic surfaces that contain small-scale heterogeneities in cohesive strength, density, porosity, friction, as these properties will each have unequal effects on the resultant crater morphometry. Even when produced under controlled laboratory conditions, understanding (and controlling) the entire relevant parameter space is daunting, and deconvolution of the relevant contributors can be complicated even in the best-case scenario. To this end, we have begun an extensive series of impact experiments that will provide a nascent framework that will aid in the interpretation of craters observed on complex natural surfaces throughout the solar system. To start with the simplest configuration, experiments were performed with cylindrical PVC buckets that were filled with quartz sand and contained a single cubic block of synthetic sandstone. The blocks varied in size (14-33 mm) and unconfined compressive strength (0.5-7.4 MPa) and were placed in/on the sand along the trajectory of the incoming impactor and buried to different depths. All experiments were conducted using the vertical gun located in the Experimental Impact Lab at NASA Johnson Space Center with alumina projectiles that were accelerated to ~1.53 km s^-1 under a vacuum of 1 torr. After the impact, target containers were removed from the chamber are morphometric data were extracted by using a Peel 2 3D-scanner in combination with the open-source software, CloudCompare. Initial results show that block strength is a secondary effect on crater diameter and depth, but when at least one edge of the block is exposed and the surface (partial burial) the strength will dictate the number of surviving block fragments around the crater, as well as how much disrupted block material is retained within the crater walls.

Christopher J. Cline II↗
NASA NTRS2018

Undirectional Carbon Nanotube Yarn/Polymer Composites

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are one-dimensional nanomaterials with outstanding electrical and thermal conductivities and mechanical properties at the nanoscale. With these superior physical properties, CNTs are very attractive materials for future light weight structural aerospace applications. Recent manufacturing advances have led to the availability of bulk formats of CNTs such as yarns, tapes, and sheets in commercial quantities, thus enabling the development of macroscale composite processing methods for aerospace applications. The fabrication of unidirectional CNT yarn/polymer composites and the effect of processing parameters such as resin type, number of CNT yarn layers, CNT yarn/resin ratio, consolidation method, and tension applied during CNT yarn winding on the mechanical properties of unidirectional CNT yarn composites are reported herein. Structural morphologies, electrical and thermal conductivities, and mechanical performance of unidirectional CNT yarn/polymer composites under tensile and short beam shear loads are presented and discussed. The application of higher tension during the winding process and elevated cure pressure during the press molding step afforded a compact structural morphology and reduced void content in the composite. However, the composite tensile strength was negligibly impacted by the fabrication parameters, such as cure pressure, winding tension, and resin chemistry, excepting resin content and number of CNT yarn layers. The tension winding method produced better quality and lower resin content CNT yarn composites compared to conventional prepregging methods, resulting in higher specific strength and modulus of the composites. The specific tensile strength of the CNT composite was approximately 69 % of the starting CNT yarn. Electrical and thermal conductivities of unidirectional CNT yarn/polymer composites were in the range of 1000 to 12000 S/cm and 22 to 45 W/mK, respectively.

Kim, Jae-Woo↗
NASA NTRS2010

Pressure vessel with improved impact resistance and method of making the same

A composite overwrapped pressure vessel is provided which includes a composite overwrapping material including fibers disposed in a resin matrix. At least first and second kinds of fibers are used. These fibers typically have characteristics of high strength and high toughness to provide impact resistance with increased pressure handling capability and low weight. The fibers are applied to form a pressure vessel using wrapping or winding techniques with winding angles varied for specific performance characteristics. The fibers of different kinds are dispersed in a single layer of winding or wound in distinct separate layers. Layers of fabric comprised of such fibers are interspersed between windings for added strength or impact resistance. The weight percentages of the high toughness and high strength materials are varied to provide specified impact resistance characteristics. The resin matrix is formed with prepregnated fibers or through wet winding. The vessels are formed with or without liners.

DeLay, Thomas K.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Impact Testing of Orbiter Thermal Protection System Materials

This viewgraph presentation reviews the impact testing of the materials used in designing the shuttle orbiter thermal protection system (TPS). Pursuant to the Columbia Accident Investigation Board recommendations a testing program of the TPS system was instituted. This involved using various types of impactors in different sizes shot from various sizes and strengths guns to impact the TPS tiles and the Leading Edge Structural Subsystem (LESS). The observed damage is shown, and the resultant lessons learned are reviewed.

Kerr, Justin↗
NASA NTRS1982

Oscillator strengths and collision strengths for some ions of oxygen and sulphur

Collision strengths for electron impact excitation of the O II, O III, S II and S III for some transitions in the ultraviolet of the type ns(sup 2) np(sup q) yields ns np(sup q +1), ns(sup 2) np(sup q) yields ns(sup 2) np(sup q-1) (n+1)s and 3s2 3p(sup q) yields 352 3p(sup q -1) 3d are calculated in a close coupling approximation for an energy rate up to one million K. Configuration interaction target wave functions which give oscillator strengths accurate to 10% for O II and O III, and 20-30% for S II and S III, are used in the expansion. Accurate knowledge of the electron impact excitation cross sections is particularly significant for a proper interpretation of the combined ultraviolet observations of the Voyager UVS and IUE results on properties of the Io plasma torus.

Ho, Y. K.↗
DOE OSTI2019

Influence of Deep Cryogenic Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of Spring Steels

Leaf springs are mechanical elements responsible for supporting the vertical load on heavy duty vehicles. For this critical structural component, the required mechanical performance depends mainly on chemical composition and heat treatment. SAE 5160 and SAE 6140 steels are widely used as springs, because after heat treatments, the strength requirements of impact and fatigue are obtained. 51CrV4-ACF steel is another spring steel option which also exhibits excellent mechanical properties. The objective of this work was to study the influence of conventional heat treatments and cryogenic treatment on properties involving fatigue and impact resistance of spring steels. Furthermore, fracture toughness was measured for these materials, and the fracture surfaces were analyzed. The results showed that the cryogenic cycles used did not provide positive effects on spring steel performance. On the other hand, the chemical composition and the application of cleanliness technology promoted higher mechanical strength: Fracture toughness of 51CrV4-ACF was 100% higher than SAE 5160 steel.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1985

Oscillator strengths and collision strengths for neutral sulfur

Configuration-interaction target wave functions are used in the present calculation of collision strengths, for electron impact excitation of neutral sulfur from the group 3p4 3P state to excited states 3p3 4s 3S0, 3p3(4S0)3d 3D0, and 3p3 4s 3P0, in a close coupling approximation for the energy range up to 1,000,000 K. Configuration-interaction target wave functions are used in the calculation of collision strengths, and oscillator strengths for various triplet transitions are reported together with transitions between 3p4 1D and 3p4 1S and other singlet-excited states.

Ho, Y. K.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Development and Evaluation of Stitched Sandwich Panels

This study explored the feasibility and potential benefits provided by the addition of through-the-thickness reinforcement to sandwich structures. Through-the-thickness stitching is proposed to increase the interlaminar strength and damage tolerance of composite sandwich structures. A low-cost, out-of-autoclave processing method was developed to produce composite sandwich panels with carbon fiber face sheets, a closed-cell foam core, and through-the-thickness Kevlar stitching. The sandwich panels were stitched in a dry preform state, vacuum bagged, and infiltrated using Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) processing. For comparison purposes, unstitched sandwich panels were produced using the same materials and manufacturing methodology. Test panels were produced initially at the University of Utah and later at NASA Langley Research Center. Four types of mechanical tests were performed: flexural testing, flatwise tensile testing, core shear testing, and edgewise compression testing. Drop-weight impact testing followed by specimen sectioning was performed to characterize the damage resistance of stitched sandwich panels. Compression after impact (CAI) testing was performed to evaluate the damage tolerance of the sandwich panels. Results show significant increases in the flexural stiffness and strength, out-of-plane tensile strength, core shear strength, edgewise compression strength, and compression-after-impact strength of stitched sandwich structures.

Stanley, Larry E.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Post-impact fatigue of cross-plied, through-the-thickness reinforced carbon/epoxy composites

An experimental investigation of the post-impact fatigue response of integrally woven carbon/epoxy composites was conducted. Five different through-the-thickness (TTT) reinforcing fibers were used in an experimental textile process that produced an integrally woven (0/90/0/90/0/90/0/90/0)(sub T) ply layup with 21K AS4 carbon tow fiber. The resin was Hercules 3501-6, and the five TTT reinforcing fibers were Kevlar, Toray carbon, AS4 carbon, glass, and IM6 carbon. The purpose of this investigation was to study the post-impact fatigue response of these material systems and to identify the optimum TTT fiber. Samples were impacted with one half inch diameter aluminum balls with an average velocity of 543 ft/sec. Post-impact static compression and constant amplitude tension-compression fatigue tests were conducted. Fatigue tests were conducted with a loading ratio of R=-5, and frequency of 4 Hz. Damage growth was monitored using x-radiographic and sectioning techniques and by examining the stress-strain response (across the impact site) throughout the fatigue tests. The static compressive stress versus far-field strain response was nearly linear for all material groups. All the samples had a transverse shear failure mode. The average compressive modulus (from far-field strain) was about 10 Msi. The average post-impact static compressive strength was about 35.5 Ksi. The IM6 carbon sample had a strength of over 40 Ksi, more than 16 percent stronger than average. There was considerable scatter in the S-N data. However, the IM6 carbon samples clearly had the best fatigue response. The response of the other materials, while worse than IM6 carbon, could not be ranked definitively. The initial damage zones caused by the impact loading and damage growth from fatigue loading were similar for all five TTT reinforcing materials. The initial damage zones were circular and consisted of delaminations, matrix cracks and ply cracks. Post-impact fatigue loading caused delamination growth, ply cracking and fiber bundle failures, typically 45 deg from impact load direction. During the initial 97 percent of fatigue life, delaminations, ply cracks and fiber bundle failures primarily grew at and near the impact site. During the final 3 percent of life, damage grew rapidly transverse to the loading direction as a through-the-thickness transverse shear failure. The stress-strain response was typically linear during the initial 50 percent of life, and stiffness dropped about 20 percent during this period. During the next 47 percent of life, stiffness dropped about 34 percent, and the stress-strain response was no longer linear. The stiffness decreased about 23 percent during the final 3 percent of life. These trends were typical of all the materials tested. Therefore, by monitoring stiffness loss, fatigue failure could be accurately anticipated.

Serdinak, Thomas E.↗
DOE OSTI2024

High strain-rate strength response of single crystal tantalum through in-situ hole closure imaging experiments

The properties of crystalline materials often depend on directionality and operating conditions. Specifically, the strength of materials can depend anisotropically on crystal direction and the loading condition. To probe these effects, a preliminary series of high strain-rate (> 105/s) strength plate-impact hole closure experiments were performed on high purity single crystal Tantalum cubes. The orientation of the single crystals with respect to impact/loading were varied to provide data to inform crystal plasticity modeling efforts. The experiments consist of in-situ high-resolution X-ray radiographic imaging of the hole collapse under dynamic compression conditions to infer the material strength via its resistance to closure at increasing levels of plastic strain. The experiments are compared against hydrocode simulation predictions. Here, a comparison with simple elastic perfectly plastic strength model predictions is presented to elucidate the response of the different crystal orientations at high strain-rate and large plastic strains.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗