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At least 451 records · Page 25

Application of finite element substructuring to composite micromechanics

Finite element substructuring is used to predict unidirectional fiber composite hygral (moisture), thermal, and mechanical properties. COSMIC NASTRAN and MSC/NASTRAN are used to perform the finite element analysis. The results obtained from the finite element model are compared with those obtained from the simplified composite micromechanics equations. A unidirectional composite structure made of boron/HM-epoxy, S-glass/IMHS-epoxy and AS/IMHS-epoxy are studied. The finite element analysis is performed using three dimensional isoparametric brick elements and two distinct models. The first model consists of a single cell (one fiber surrounded by matrix) to form a square. The second model uses the single cell and substructuring to form a nine cell square array. To compare computer time and results with the nine cell superelement model, another nine cell model is constructed using conventional mesh generation techniques. An independent computer program consisting of the simplified micromechanics equation is developed to predict the hygral, thermal, and mechanical properties for this comparison. The results indicate that advanced techniques can be used advantageously for fiber composite micromechanics.

Caruso, J. J.↗

Comparison of elastic and elastic-plastic structural analyses for cooled turbine blade airfoils

Elastic plastic stress strain states in cooled turbine blade airfoils were calculated by three methods for the initial takeoff transient of an advanced technology aircraft engine. The three analytical methods compared were a three dimensional elastic plastic, finite element analysis, a three dimensional, elastic, finite element analysis, and a one dimensional, elastic plastic, beam theory analysis. Structural analyses were performed for eight cases involving different combinations of mechanical and thermal loading on impingement cooled airfoils with and without leading edge film cooling holes. The von Mises effective total strains at maximum takeoff computed from the elastic and elastic plastic finite element analyses agreed with 9 percent for rotating airfoils and 28 percent for stationary airfoils with the elastic results on the conservative side.

Kaufman, A.↗

Compression creep of filamentary composites

Axial and transverse strain fields induced in composite laminates subjected to compressive creep loading were compared for several types of laminate layups. Unidirectional graphite/epoxy as well as multi-directional graphite/epoxy and graphite/PEEK layups were studied. Specimens with and without holes were tested. The specimens were subjected to compressive creep loading for a 10-hour period. In-plane displacements were measured using moire interferometry. A computer based data reduction scheme was developed which reduces the whole-field displacement fields obtained using moire to whole-field strain contour maps. Only slight viscoelastic response was observed in matrix-dominated laminates, except for one test in which catastrophic specimen failure occurred after a 16-hour period. In this case the specimen response was a complex combination of both viscoelastic and fracture mechanisms. No viscoelastic effects were observed for fiber-dominated laminates over the 10-hour creep time used. The experimental results for specimens with holes were compared with results obtained using a finite-element analysis. The comparison between experiment and theory was generally good. Overall strain distributions were very well predicted. The finite element analysis typically predicted slightly higher strain values at the edge of the hole, and slightly lower strain values at positions removed from the hole, than were observed experimentally. It is hypothesized that these discrepancies are due to nonlinear material behavior at the hole edge, which were not accounted for during the finite-element analysis.

Graesser, D. L.↗

Response of Composite Plates with Inclined Elliptical Notches and Subjected to Axial Compression

An analysis method for predicting the inplane stress states in anisotropic finite plates with an elliptical notch is presented. This method can be used to analyze plates with arbitrary notch orientations with respect to the plate material axes. The analysis results have been validated using finite element analysis results for unnotched composite plates and experimental and finite element analysis results for stiffened composite panels with a skin that has orthotropic properties. The good agreement between these results, until the panel exhibits nonlinear response either due to bending or initiation of damage, indicates that the present analysis method can be used to determine accurately the inplane stress states and stress concentrations at and around an elliptical notch.

Ambur, Damodar R.↗

Delaminations in composite plates under impact loads

A method is presented for calculating the locations, shapes, and sizes of delaminations which occur in a fiber reinforced composite plate subjected to non-penetrating (low velocity) impact of a solid object. The plate may be simply supported, clamped, or free along its edges. A failure model of the delamination formation was developed. This model was then coupled with a finite element analysis. The model and the finite element analysis were then implemented by a computer code (IMPACT-ST) which can be used to estimate the damage initiation load and the locations, shapes, and sizes of the delaminations. Tests were performed measuring the geometries of the delaminations in graphite-epoxy, graphite-toughened epoxy, and graphite-PEEK plates impacted by a projectile with a spherical tip having masses ranging from 0.355 lbm to 0.963 lbm and velocities from 50 in/sec to 225 in/sec. The data were compared to the results of the model, and good agreements were found between the measured and the calculated delamination lengths and widths.

Finn, Scott R.↗

Delaminations in composite plates under transverse static or impact loads - A model

A method is presented for calculating the locations, shapes, and sizes of delaminations which occur in a fiber reinforced composite plate subjected to transverse static or dynamic (impact) loads. The plate may be simply supported, clamped, or free along its edges. A model of the delamination formation was developed. This model was then coupled with a finite element analysis. The model and the finite element analysis were implemented by a computer code which can be used to estimate the load at which damage is initiated as well as the locations, shapes, and sizes of the delaminations.

Finn, Scott R.↗

Application of the p-version of the finite-element method to global-local problems

A brief survey is given of some recent developments in finite-element analysis technology which bear upon the three main research areas under consideration in this workshop: (1) analysis methods; (2) software testing and quality assurance; and (3) parallel processing. The variational principle incorporated in a finite-element computer program, together with a particular set of input data, determines the exact solution corresponding to that input data. Most finite-element analysis computer programs are based on the principle of virtual work. In the following, researchers consider only programs based on the principle of virtual work and denote the exact displacement vector field corresponding to some specific set of input data by vector u(EX). The exact solution vector u(EX) is independent of the design of the mesh or the choice of elements. Except for very simple problems, or specially constructed test problems, vector u(EX) is not known. Researchers perform a finite-element analysis (or any other numerical analysis) because they wish to make conclusions concerning the response of a physical system to certain imposed conditions, as if vector u(EX) were known.

Szabo, Barna A.↗

Stress analysis of the cracked lap shear specimens: An ASTM round robin

This ASTM Round Robin was conducted to evaluate the state of the art in stress analysis of adhesively bonded joint specimens. Specifically, the participants were asked to calculate the strain-energy-release rate for two different geometry cracked lap shear (CLS) specimens at four different debond lengths. The various analytical techniques consisted of 2- and 3-dimensional finite element analysis, beam theory, plate theory, and a combination of beam theory and finite element analysis. The results were examined in terms of the total strain-energy-release rate and the mode I to mode II ratio as a function of debond length for each specimen geometry. These results basically clustered into two groups: geometric linear or geometric nonlinear analysis. The geometric nonlinear analysis is required to properly analyze the CLS specimens. The 3-D finite element analysis gave indications of edge closure plus some mode III loading. Each participant described his analytical technique and results. Nine laboratories participated.

Johnson, W. S.↗

Stress analysis of the cracked-lap-shear specimen - An ASTM round-robin

This ASTM Round Robin was conducted to evaluate the state of the art in stress analysis of adhesively bonded joint specimens. Specifically, the participants were asked to calculate the strain-energy-release rate for two different geometry cracked lap shear (CLS) specimens at four different debond lengths. The various analytical techniques consisted of 2- and 3-dimensional finite element analysis, beam theory, plate theory, and a combination of beam theory and finite element analysis. The results were examined in terms of the total strain-energy-release rate and the mode I to mode II ratio as a function of debond length for each specimen geometry. These results basically clustered into two groups: geometric linear or geometric nonlinear analysis. The geometric nonlinear analysis is required to properly analyze the CLS specimens. The 3-D finite element analysis gave indications of edge closure plus some mode III loading. Each participant described his analytical technique and results. Nine laboratories participated.

Johnson, W. S.↗

Strain-energy-release rate analysis of the end-notched flexure specimen using the finite-element method

Two-dimensional finite-element analysis of the end-notched flexure specimen was performed using 8-node isoparametric, parabolic elements to evaluate compliance and mode II strain energy release rates, G sub II. The G sub II values were computed using two different techniques: the virtural crack-closure technique (VCCT) and the rate of change of compliance with crack length (compliance derivative method). The analysis was performed for various crack-length-to-semi-span (a/L) ratios ranging from 0.2 to 0.9. Three material systems representing a wide range of material properties were analyzed. The compliance and strain energy release rates of the specimen calculated with the present finite-element analysis agree very well with beam theory equations including transverse shear. The G sub II values calculated using the compliance derivative method compared extremely well with those calculated using the VCCT. The G sub II values obtained by the compliance derivative method using the top or bottom beam deflections agreed closely with each other. The strain energy release rates from a plane-stress analysis were higher than the plane-strain values by only a small percentage, indicating that either assumption may be used in the analysis. The G sub II values for one material system calculated from the finite-element analysis agreed with one solution in the literature and disagreed with the other solution in the literature.

Salpekar, S. A.↗

Strain energy release rate analysis of the end-notched flexure specimen using the finite-element method

Two-dimensional finite-element analysis of the end-notched flexure specimen was performed using 8-node isoparametric, parabolic elements to evaluate compliance and mode II strain energy release rates, G sub II. The G sub II values were computed using two different techniques: the virtual crack-closure technique (VCCT) and the rate of change of compliance with crack length (compliance derivative method). The analysis was performed for various crack-length-to-semi-span (a/L) ratios ranging from 0.2 to 0.9. Three material systems representing a wide range of material properties were analyzed. The compliance and strain energy release rates of the specimen calculated with the present finite-element analysis agree very well with beam theory equations including transverse shear. The G sub II values calculated using the compliance derivative method compared extremely well with those calculated using the VCCT. The G sub II values obtained by the compliance derivative method using the top or bottom beam deflections agreed closely with each other. The strain energy release rates from a plane-stress analysis were higher than the plane-strain values by only a small percentage, indicating that either assumption may be used in the analysis. The G sub II values for one material system calculated from the finte-element analysis agreed with one solution in the literature and disagreed with the other solution in the literature.

Salpekar, S. A.↗

Analytical and experimental study of a standing torus with normal loads

Finite element analysis is applied to study the large deflection and stress of a thin-walled pressurized torus loaded by normal contact with a plane. Experimentally determined stresses are compared to those resulting from finite element analysis at various meridional and circumferential coordinates of the torus, including the footprint area. Circumferential strains compare favorably while meridional strains are higher in the finite element analysis, probably due to slippage of the boundary at the rim. The STAGS finite element computer program was used. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the various program options for structural loading, for material modeling, for stress analysis, and for grid refinement. The experimental model, a thin-walled rubber tube mounted on a steel cylindrical rim, provided measured results to compare with various analytical trade-offs. It was found that there was almost no difference in predicted deflections or stress distributions between linear and nonlinear material description. However, the difference between linear analysis and that of geometric nonlinearities utilizing incremental loading was marked.

Mack, M. J., Jr.↗

Incorporating general race and housing flexibility and deadband in rolling element bearing analysis

Methods for including the effects of general race and housing compliance and outer race-to-housing deadband (clearance) in rolling element bearing mechanics analysis is presented. It is shown that these effects can cause significant changes in bearing stiffness characteristics, which are of major importance in rotordynamic response of turbomachinery and other rotating systems. Preloading analysis is demonstrated with the finite element/contact mechanics hybrid method applied to a 45 mm angular contact ball bearing.

Davis, R. R.↗

Approximate analysis of postbuckled through-width delaminations

An approximate analysis was developed to analyze the postbuckling behavior of through-width delaminations in a laminated coupon. The analysis contains two parameters which are determined using a finite element analysis. After calculating the parameters for a few configurations, the approximate analysis was used to analyze many other configurations. Lateral deflections and mode I strain-energy release rates obtained with the approximate analysis were compared with results from the finite element analysis. For the configurations analyzed, the approximate analysis agreed very well with the finite element results.

Whitcomb, J. D.↗

ZIP2DL: An Elastic-Plastic, Large-Rotation Finite-Element Stress Analysis and Crack-Growth Simulation Program

ZIP2DL is a two-dimensional, elastic-plastic finte element program for stress analysis and crack growth simulations, developed for the NASA Langley Research Center. It has many of the salient features of the ZIP2D program. For example, ZIP2DL contains five material models (linearly elastic, elastic-perfectly plastic, power-law hardening, linear hardening, and multi-linear hardening models), and it can simulate mixed-mode crack growth for prescribed crack growth paths under plane stress, plane strain and mixed state of stress conditions. Further, as an extension of ZIP2D, it also includes a number of new capabilities. The large-deformation kinematics in ZIP2DL will allow it to handle elastic problems with large strains and large rotations, and elastic-plastic problems with small strains and large rotations. Loading conditions in terms of surface traction, concentrated load, and nodal displacement can be applied with a default linear time dependence or they can be programmed according to a user-defined time dependence through a user subroutine. The restart capability of ZIP2DL will make it possible to stop the execution of the program at any time, analyze the results and/or modify execution options and resume and continue the execution of the program. This report includes three sectons: a theoretical manual section, a user manual section, and an example manual secton. In the theoretical secton, the mathematics behind the various aspects of the program are concisely outlined. In the user manual section, a line-by-line explanation of the input data is given. In the example manual secton, three types of examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and illustrate the use of this program.

Deng, Xiaomin↗

Structural Configuration Analysis of Crew Exploration Vehicle Concepts

Structural configuration modeling and finite element analysis of crew exploration vehicle (CEV) concepts are presented. In the structural configuration design approach, parametric solid models of the pressurized shell and tanks are developed. The CEV internal cabin pressure is same as in the International Space Station (ISS) to enable docking with the ISS without an intermediate airlock. Effects of this internal pressure load on the stress distribution, factor of safety, mass and deflections are investigated. Uniform 7 mm thick skin shell, 5 mm thick shell with ribs and frames, and isogrid skin construction options are investigated. From this limited study, the isogrid construction appears to provide most strength/mass ratio. Initial finite element analysis results on the service module tanks are also presented. These rapid finite element analyses, stress and factor of safety distribution results are presented as a part of lessons learned and to build up a structural mass estimation and sizing database for future technology support. This rapid structural analysis process may also facilitate better definition of the vehicles and components for rapid prototyping. However, these structural analysis results are highly conceptual and exploratory in nature and do not reflect current configuration designs being conducted at the program level by NASA and industry.

Mukhopadhyay, V.↗

An evaluation of fracture analysis methods

The results of an experimental and predictive round robin on the applications of fracture analysis methods are presented. The objective of the round robin was to verify whether fracture analysis methods currently in use can or cannot predict failure loads on complex structural components containing cracks. Fracture results from tests on a number of compact specimens were used to make the predictions. The accuracy of the prediction methods was evaluated in terms of the variation in the ratio of predicted to experimental failure loads, and the predictions methods are ranked in order of minimum standard error. A range of applicability of the different methods was also considered in assessing their usefulness. For 7075-T651 aluminum alloy, the best methods were: the effective K sub R curve; the critical crack-tip opening displacement (CTOD) criterion using a finite element analysis; and the K sub R curve with the Dugdale model. For the 2024-T351 aluminum alloy, the best methods included: the two-parameter fracture criterion (TPFC); the CTOD parameter using finite element analysis; the K-curve with the Dugdale model; the deformation plasticity failure assessment diagram (DPFAD); and the effective K sub R curve with a limit load condition. For 304 stainless steel, the best methods were the limit load analysis; the CTOD criterion using finite-element analysis TPFC and DPFAD. Some sample experimental results are given in an appendix.

Newman, J. C., Jr.↗

An Investigation on the Accuracy of Delamination Analysis Predictions for Unidirectional Laminate Configurations

The state-of-the-art methodologies for predicting delamination growth in composite laminates make use of the concept of mixed-mode fracture mechanics. In mixed-mode fracture approaches the individual Mode I, Mode II and Mode III components of the strain energy release rate (SERR) need to be determined under general loading conditions. Through the use of mixed-mode fracture, the individual components are used in combination with the critical strain energy release rates (interlaminar fracture toughnesses) for each fracture mode in a mixed mode criterion in order to predict delamination extension. These interlaminar fracture toughnesses are traditionally obtained by testing of unidirectional laminate coupons. This work presents an investigation on the accuracy of Double Cantilever Beam (DCB), End Notch Flexure (ENF) and Mixed-Mode Bending (MMB) delamination analysis predictions by comparing measured total strain-energy release rates obtained experimentally to results for structural analysis from closed-form expressions, shell finite element analysis, and continuum two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) (solid) finite element analysis.

Patrick Enjuto↗