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At least 433 records · Page 24

Reliability Sensitivity Analysis and Design Optimization of Composite Structures Based on Response Surface Methodology

This report discusses the development and application of two alternative strategies in the form of global and sequential local response surface (RS) techniques for the solution of reliability-based optimization (RBO) problems. The problem of a thin-walled composite circular cylinder under axial buckling instability is used as a demonstrative example. In this case, the global technique uses a single second-order RS model to estimate the axial buckling load over the entire feasible design space (FDS) whereas the local technique uses multiple first-order RS models with each applied to a small subregion of FDS. Alternative methods for the calculation of unknown coefficients in each RS model are explored prior to the solution of the optimization problem. The example RBO problem is formulated as a function of 23 uncorrelated random variables that include material properties, thickness and orientation angle of each ply, cylinder diameter and length, as well as the applied load. The mean values of the 8 ply thicknesses are treated as independent design variables. While the coefficients of variation of all random variables are held fixed, the standard deviations of ply thicknesses can vary during the optimization process as a result of changes in the design variables. The structural reliability analysis is based on the first-order reliability method with reliability index treated as the design constraint. In addition to the probabilistic sensitivity analysis of reliability index, the results of the RBO problem are presented for different combinations of cylinder length and diameter and laminate ply patterns. The two strategies are found to produce similar results in terms of accuracy with the sequential local RS technique having a considerably better computational efficiency.

Rais-Rohani, Masoud↗

Composition, structure, and chemistry of interstellar dust

Different dust components present in the interstellar medium (IM) such as amorphous carbon, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and those IM components which are organic refractory grains and icy grain mantles are discussed as well as their relative importance. The physical properties of grain surface chemistry are discussed with attention given to the surface structure of materials, the adsorption energy and residence time of species on a grain surface, and the sticking probability. Consideration is also given to the contribution of grains to the gas-phase composition of molecular clouds.

Tielens, A. G. G. M.↗

The effect of gravity waves on the global mean temperature and composition structure of the upper atmosphere

Formulas are presented that parameterize the heating rate and coefficient of turbulent heat conduction produced by saturated internal gravity waves (IGW) in the upper atmosphere. Estimates of these values are made using observational data. The parameterization of IGW influences are introduced into a one-dimensional model of global mean thermal and composition balances of the upper atmosphere. Computations are performed for different values of IGW energy fluxes entering into the upper atmosphere from below. It is shown that realistic vertical profiles of the global mean temperature can be obtained using different values of IGW energy flux into the upper atmosphere. Increasing the IGW intensity leads not only to an increase of the heating rate due to wave enery dissipation, but also to an increase of the heating rate due to wave energy dissipation, but also to an increase in the coefficient of turbulent heat conduction and cooling rate produced by turbulence generated by the wave. So, near an altitude of 100 km the main part of solar heating is compensated by infrared cooling on one hand, and the main part of wave dissipation heating is compensated by turbulent cooling on the other hand. These quasi-balances generally hold for different values of IGW intensity.

Gavrilov, Nikolai M.↗

Measuring thermomechanical response of large-format printed polymer composite structures via digital image correlation

Large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) is a branch of additive manufacturing (AM) research with the ability to create large structures typically measuring several meters in scale. LFAM is advantageous for tooling applications, not only because it offers the ability to create complex geometries not easily made using subtractive manufacturing processes, but the cost savings of pelletized feedstock used by these systems result in larger parts printed at faster speeds than traditional AM systems. Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) is a commonly used feedstock material in LFAM structures because it reduces the distortion experienced during printing. However, FRP introduces highly anisotropic thermomechanical properties and contributes to a nonhomogeneous microstructure that can result in critical distortion of dimensions during tooling. Measuring the global thermomechanical response of LFAM structures requires a more representative method that accounts for not only anisotropic properties but also the nonhomogeneous nature of the final part. This is where traditional techniques to measure thermomechanical response, such as thermomechanical analysis (TMA), fall short as they assume homogeneity. This study evaluated the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of LFAM structures as measured by TMA as compared to a novel digital image correlation oven (DIC Oven) system. The LFAM structures were made from 20 % by weight carbon fiber reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (CF-ABS). TMA measurements showed significant variations in CTE across a single LFAM bead, confirming the need for a global technique that captures overall thermomechanical response. The CTE values measured using the DIC Oven compared well to average TMA values obtained from localized measurements across the sample. The DIC Oven was also used to quantify the effects of different layer orientations on thermomechanical properties, which cannot be easily captured using TMA. A predictive model was also developed by using localized TMA values across an LFAM bead to predict the overall thermomechanical response of an LFAM structure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Distribution of taxonomic classes and the compositional structure of the asteroid belt

This paper reviews previous studies on the distribution of the asteroid taxonomic classes and analyzes the techniques, results, and interpretations of these studies, with special attention given to the strong and weak points of these studies and the important caveat for their interpretation. It is concluded that, in spite of the differences in class definition, the rather ordered heliocentric distribution of the composition is real and must be due to either primordial, evolutionary, or dynamical processes, or to a combination of all three. In general, the distribution of asteroid taxonomic classes is characterized by moderate-albedo asteroids dominant in the inner asteroid belt, and low-albedo asteroids prevalent in the outer belt and beyond.

Gradie, Jonathan C.↗

Use of Modal Acoustic Emission to Monitor Damage Progression in Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Tows and Implications for Composite Structures

ASTM-based ILH methods were found to give a reproducible, quantitative estimate of the stress threshold at which significant accumulated damage began to occur. a) FR events are low energy (<2 V(exp 20 microsec) b) FR events occur close to the observed failure locus. c) FR events consist of more than 30% fiber breakage (>300 kHz) d) FR events show a consistent hierarchy of cooperative damage for composite tow, and for the COPV tested, regardless of applied load. Application of ILH or related stress profiles could lead to robust pass/fail acceptance criteria based on the FR. Initial application of FR and FFT analysis of AE data acquired on COPVs is promising.

Waller, Jess M.↗

Electronic materials high-T(sub c) superconductivity polymers and composites structural materials surface science and catalysts industry participation

The fifth year of the Center for Advanced Materials was marked primarily by the significant scientific accomplishments of the research programs. The Electronics Materials program continued its work on the growth and characterization of gallium arsenide crystals, and the development of theories to understand the nature and distribution of defects in the crystals. The High Tc Superconductivity Program continued to make significant contributions to the field in theoretical and experimental work on both bulk materials and thin films and devices. The Ceramic Processing group developed a new technique for cladding YBCO superconductors for high current applications in work with the Electric Power Research Institute. The Polymers and Composites program published a number of important studies involving atomistic simulations of polymer surfaces with excellent correlations to experimental results. The new Enzymatic Synthesis of Materials project produced its first fluorinated polymers and successfully began engineering enzymes designed for materials synthesis. The structural Materials Program continued work on novel alloys, development of processing methods for advanced ceramics, and characterization of mechanical properties of these materials, including the newly documented characterization of cyclic fatigue crack propagation behavior in toughened ceramics. Finally, the Surface Science and Catalysis program made significant contributions to the understanding of microporous catalysts and the nature of surface structures and interface compounds.

Source record↗

Advanced composite structural concepts and materials technologies for primary aircraft structures: Advanced material concepts

To achieve acceptable performance and long-term durability at elevated temperatures (350 to 600 F) for high-speed transport systems, further improvements of the high-performance matrix materials will be necessary to achieve very long-term (60,000-120,000 service hours) retention of mechanical properties and damage tolerance. This report emphasizes isoimide modification as a complementary technique to semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (SIPN's) to achieve greater processibility, better curing dynamics, and possibly enhanced thermo-mechanical properties in composites. A key result is the demonstration of enhanced processibility of isoimide-modified linear and thermo-setting polyimide systems.

Lau, Kreisler S. Y.↗

Methods of Attaching or Grafting Carbon Nanotubes to Silicon Surfaces and Composite Structures Derived Therefrom

The present invention is directed toward methods of attaching or grafting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to silicon surfaces. In some embodiments, such attaching or grafting occurs via functional groups on either or both of the CNTs and silicon surface. In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention include: (1) reacting a silicon surface with a functionalizing agent (such as oligo(phenylene ethynylene)) to form a functionalized silicon surface; (2) dispersing a quantity of CNTs in a solvent to form dispersed CNTs; and (3) reacting the functionalized silicon surface with the dispersed CNTs. The present invention is also directed to the novel compositions produced by such methods.

Tour, James M.↗

Thermospheric circulation, temperature, and compositional structure of the southern hemisphere polar cap during October-November 1981

Results of NCAR thermospheric general circulation model (TGCM) simulations were compared with Dynamics Explorer (DE2) data on the neutral wind, temperature and O and N2 number variations over the south polar cap in the F region in October-November 1981. Attention was focused on variations in the thermospheric characteristics. All variations reached a maximum over the magnetic polar cap, with the largest O and N2 changes being present in the dawn sector of the auroral oval, where Joule heating was maximized. The TGCM simulations for conditions similar to the DE2 passes agreed well with the satellite data, indicating that the variations in the wind, temperature and compositional characteristics are dependent on the magnitude of magnetospheric convection and influenced by the separation between the geomagnetic and geographic poles.

Roble, R. G.↗

Suggested Procedures for Installing Strain Gauges on Langley Research Center Wind Tunnel Balances, Custom Force Measuring Transducers, Metallic and Composite Structural Test Articles

The character of force and strain measurement testing at LaRC is such that the types of strain gauge installations, the materials upon which the strain gauges are applied, and the test environments encountered, require many varied approaches. In 1997, a NASA Technical Memorandum (NASA TM 110327) was generated to provide the strain gauge application specialist with a listing of recommended procedures for strain gauging various transducers and test articles at LaRC. The technical memorandum offered here is an effort to keep the strain gauge user informed of new technological enhancements in strain-gauging methodology while preserving the strain-gauging guidelines set forth in the 1997 TM. This document provides detailed recommendations for strain gauging LaRC-designed balances and custom transducers, composite materials, cryogenic and high-temperature test articles, and selected non-typical or unique materials or test conditions. Additionally, one section offers details for installing Bragg-Grating type fiber-optic strain sensors for non-typical test scenarios.

Moore, Thomas C., Sr.↗

Composition, Structure and Evolution of Uranian and Neptunian Satellites

Large uncertainties in the current estimated densities of all of these satellites prevent detailed modeling or predictions. Nevertheless, current evidence suggests that at least Titania and Oberon might have anomalously high densities of 2-39 cm(-3), possibly requiring almost ice-free hydrated silicates or formation in a CO-rich environment, implying presence of CO-clathrate and a small ice/rock ratio. Trition and the four largest satellites of Uranus are massive enough to have undergone significant accretional heating and early differentiation; NH3-H2O volcanism; partial outgassing of CO, N2, Ch4; formation of dark surficial deposits of carbon-rich material obtained by UV irradiation of outgassed material; and, at least in the cases of Ariel and Triton, a possibility of weak ongoing icy volcanic activity. Triton may be the largest captured body in the solar system, with an unusual history and composition, including the possibility of substantial liquid or solid nitrogen obtained from either primordial NH3 photolysis or clathrate decomposition.

Stevenson, D. J.↗

Develop and demonstrate manufacturing processes for fabricating graphite filament reinforced polymide (Gr/PI) composite structural elements

A study was conducted to assess the merits of using graphite/polyimide, NR-150B2 resin, for structural applications on advanced space launch vehicles. The program was divided into two phases: (1) Fabrication Process Development; and (2) Demonstration Components. The first phase of the program involved the selection of a graphite fiber, quality assurance of the NR-150B2 polyimide resin, and the quality assurance of the graphite/polyimide prepreg. In the second phase of the program, a limited number of components were fabricated before the NR-150B2 resin system was removed from the market by the supplier, Du Pont. The advancement of the NR-150B2 polyimide resin binder was found to vary significantly based on previous time and temperature history during the prepregging operation. Strength retention at 316C (600F) was found to be 50% that of room temperature strength. However, the composite would retain its initial strength after 200 hours exposure at 316C (600F). Basic chemistry studies are required for determining NR-150B2 resin binder quality assurance parameters. Graphite fibers are available that can withstand high temperature cure and postcure cycles.

Chase, V. A.↗

Effect of bisphosphonate treatment on the oim mouse middle ear ossicles' structure, composition and hearing

Hearing loss is common in people with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI or brittle bone disease). Bisphosphonates are commonly used to treat long bone fragility in children with OI. However, its impact on the bone quality of the middle ear ossicles and hearing remains unknown. This study determines whether bisphosphonates treatment itself may contribute to hearing loss in OI by evaluating its effects in the oim/oim mouse model of severe OI having normal auditory function. Specifically, this study reports the effects of alendronate (ALN), a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, on ossicle morphology, porosity, and elemental composition in 14-week-old oim/oim mice treated weekly, starting at 2 weeks of age. The ossicles were examined using synchrotron microtomography and X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM). Hearing was assessed longitudinally until 26 weeks of age by determining auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds in another group of mice also treated weekly starting at 2 weeks of age. ALN treatment further reduces in size the already small oim/oim ossicles, specifically in female mice. Porosity, bone composition, and hearing function, however, were generally not affected by the ALN treatment. Furthermore, ALN does not prevent joint fusions, excessive bone formations, or enlarged joint spaces in WT or oim/oim experimental groups. One ALN-treated oim/oim mouse with a bone formation in the interior of the footplate, and one ALN-treated WT mouse with a fixed footplate had frequency-specific hearing loss. Since footplate abnormalities are not observed in PBS-treated mice in this study, it remains unclear whether ALN fails to prevent these changes or contributes to their development. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms of ossicular abnormalities and bisphosphonates modulatory role in the ossicles.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Structure–Composition Relationships for Mg–Ni and Mg–Fe Olivine

Olivine is a dynamic and important mineral in the crust and mantle with relevance to processes important to climate change technology, such as geologic carbon storage and critical mineral recovery. In this work, we critically evaluated and compiled a new database of olivine diffraction data, lattice parameters, and composition to enable rapid Ni-Mg-Fe olivine composition determination. A compilation of olivine X-ray diffraction data and chemical compositions from both the literature and the International Centre for Diffraction Data (ICDD) powder database was assembled to plot both the forsterite-fayalite and forsterite-liebenbergite solid solution lines. Here we present an expanded dataset to delineate equations and relationships used for quantifying the correlations between olivine lattice parameters and chemical compositions in Mg 2 SiO 4 -Fe 2 SiO 4 (forsterite-fayalite) and Mg 2 SiO 4 -Ni 2 SiO 4 (forsterite-liebenbergite) olivine solid solution series.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗