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Results for “Two-dimensional cracking”

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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1982

Interfacial fracture of Space-Shuttle thermal-protection system

Stable crack growth and fracture at the interface of undensified LI-900 reusable surface insulation (RSI) tile and the Nomex strain isolation pad (SIP) of the Space-Shuttle thermal-protection system (TPS) were modeled by double-edged notch-tension specimens. These specimens were loaded under uniaxial tension or 50-Hz cyclic loading and the resultant stable crack growth leading to eventual fracture was monitored by a videocamera. These tests showed that successive local tear-outs due to local tensile overload in the RSI tile resulted in the interfacial fracture where the crack-tip opening angle, CTOA, of the SIP was related to initiation and intermittent stable crack propagation. Fractures in similar static and dynamic test specimens using densified LI-900 RSI tiles occurred in the undensified regions of the RSI tiles. These failures were consistent with the above failure mechanism based on the local tensile strength of the undensified LI-900 RSI tile. The intermittent stable crack growth of undensified LI-900 RSI tile was reproduced by a deterministic, two-dimensional finite-element model with SIP of variable elastic moduli.

Komine, A.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Green's function solution and applications for cracks emanating from a circular hole in an infinite sheet

Stress-intensity factors are obtained for point loaded equal length cracks emanating from a circular hole in an infinite plate. A series approach and the Muskhelishvili formulation in the two-dimensional theory of elasticity are used to derive the solution. The applicability of the solution is demonstrated by using it as a Green's function to obtain stress-intensity factors in the case of (1) biaxial tension and pure shear of an infinite plate and (2) tension and pin loading of a plate with cracks emanating from one hole in a row of holes.

Shivakumar, V.↗
NASA NTRS1972

A sandwich plate with a part-through and a debonding crack.

The stress analysis of a metal base plate stiffened by a fiber-reinforced composite layer is considered. It is assumed that the two materials are bonded through an adhesive of constant thickness which is treated as a two-dimensional shear spring in the analysis. The metal plate is assumed to contain a through crack of finite length. The composite plate has no flaws. However, due to the high stress concentration around the crack and on the interface, a debonding crack is assumed to exist, encircling the crack in the base plate. The problem is reduced to a pair of integral equations of the second kind with Fredholm-type kernels. By solving these equations the stress intensity factor in the base plate, the boundary of the debonding crack, and the interface shear stresses acting on the adhesive are calculated.

Erdogan, F.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Measurements of mixed-mode crack surface displacements and comparison with theory

A theoretical and an experimental technique is used to determine crack surface displacements under mixed-mode conditions. Crack surface displacements proved to be quite useful in mode 1 fracture analysis in that they are directly related to strain energy release rate and stress intensity factor. It is felt that similar relationships can be developed for the mixed-mode case. A boundary-integral method was developed for application to two-dimensional fracture mechanics problems. This technique was applied to the mixed-mode problem. A laser interferometry technique, for measurement of crack surface displacements under mixed-mode conditions, is presented. The experimental measurements are reported and the results of the two approaches are compared and discussed.

Altiero, N. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Green's function for a crack emanating from a circular hole in an infinite sheet

Stress-intensity factors, K/I/ and K/II/, are obtained for a point loaded crack emanating from a circular hole in an infinite plate. A series approach and the Muskhelishvili formulation in the two-dimensional theory of elasticity are used to derive the solution. The applicability of the solution is demonstrated by using it as a Green's function to obtain K/I/ and K/II/ and the case of (1) biaxial tension of an infinite plate and (2) bending of a wide strip.

Shivakumar, V.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Stress analysis of the compact specimen including the effects of pin loading

An improved method of boundary collocation was applied to the two-dimensional stress analysis of the compact specimen. The effects of the pin-loaded holes on stress-intensity factors and crack-opening displacements were investigated for various crack-length-to-specimen-width ratios, hole locations, and internal loadings. The stress-intensity factors for the 'standard' compact specimen under plane-stress or plane-strain conditions were found to be within 1 percent of the stress-intensity factors reported in the ASTM Test for Plane-Strain Fracture Toughness of Metallic Materials (E 399-72) over a range of crack-length-to-specimen-width ratios of 0.4 to 0.7. However, for crack-length-to-specimen-width ratios less than 0.4, the pin-load holes (which were not previously accounted for) had a significant effect on stress intensity and crack-opening displacements.

Newman, J. C., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Thermal and stress analysis of thermal barrier coatings

An analysis has been performed that predicts the thermomechanical behavior of thermal barrier coated specimens. The analysis predicts the behavior during both plasma spray coating application and burner rig testing conditions simulating engine operation. The analysis was accomplished through utilization of one-dimensional through thickness and two-dimensional finite element calculations. The results of these calculations showed that specimens with a substrate control temperature between 300 F and 600 F would be optimum. Controlling substrate temperature was found to have a more dominant effect on the mechanical strains than the ceramic or substrate thicknesses. The predicted stresses and mechanical strains at the bond-coating interface are large enough to cause cracks in this region where post-test observations have determined coating failures originate.

Cassenti, B. N.↗
NASA NTRS1987

An integrated finite element model of edge-delamination analysis for laminates due to tension, bending, and torsion loads

A two-dimensional finite-element model has been developed to calculate interlaminar stresses and strain energy release rates for the study of delamination in composite laminates subjected to various loads. This paper addresses the formulation, implementation, and verification of a suitable 'element for uniaxial tension, bending, and torsion', as well as parametric studies of the interlaminar stresses and strain energy release rates for various composite laminates. The study concentrates on establishing relationships of GI, GII, and GIII as functions of crack length and stacking sequence in laminates due to bending. Preliminary results of laminates subjected to torsional loads are included to increase the applicability and completeness of the present formulation.

Chan, W. S.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Two-dimensional scanner apparatus

An X-Y scanner utilizes an eddy current or ultrasonic current test probe to detect surface defects in small flat plates and the like. The apparatus includes a scanner which travels on a pair of slide tubes in the X-direction. The scanner, carried on a carriage which slides in the Y-direction, is driven by a helix shaft with a closed-loop helix groove in which a follower pin carried by scanner rides. The carriage is moved incrementally in the Y-direction upon the completion of travel of the scanner back and forth in the X-direction by means of an indexing actuator and an indexing gear. The actuator is in the form of a ratchet which engages ratchet gear upon return of the scanner to the indexing position. The indexing gear is rotated a predetermined increment along a crack gear to move carriage incrementally in the Y-direction. Thus, simplified highly responsive mechanical motion may be had in a small lightweight portable unit for accurate scanning of small area.

Kurtz, G. W.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Two-dimensional modelling of compressive failure in delaminated laminates

An analytical model is developed to assess the compressive strength criticality of near-surface interlaminar defects in laminated composites. The delaminated region is elliptic in shape, separating a thick isotropic plate from a thin orthotropic layer whose material axes coincide with the ellipse axes. The growth conditions and growth behavior of this defect are studied by breaking the overall problem into an elastic stability problem and a fracture problem. Post-buckling solution for the elliptic section is obtained using the Rayleigh-Ritz method while an energy balance criterion based on a self-similar disbond growth governs the fracture. The parameters controlling the growth or arrest of the delamination damage are identified as the fracture energy, disbond depth and elastic properties of the materials from both sides of the delaminating interface. By varying the degree of material anisotropy relative to the loading axis a range in growth behavior was found including stable or unstable crack growth parallel to or normal to the loading axis.

Chai, H.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Aging studies on chemical vapor deposition and mechanically exfoliated molybdenum disulfide flakes heated in ambient air

The structural integrity of atomically thin two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) is crucial for high-temperature applications, including nanoelectronics and optoelectronics. This study explores the structural stability and electrical performance, under extended thermal exposure in air, of MoS 2 flakes synthesized via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and mechanical exfoliation. The MoS 2 flakes, both CVD-grown and mechanically exfoliated, were subjected to heating at 200 °C with a relative humidity of 60(±5)% for a prolonged period and investigated with atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. This study shows that CVD-grown flakes developed noticeable cracks after prolonged heating, whereas mechanically exfoliated flakes mostly retained their structural integrity. Also, both types of flakes showed a decrease in layer thickness and lateral size over time, with mechanically exfoliated flakes exhibiting a comparatively smaller reduction in substrate coverage area. In addition, MoS 2 -based two-terminal devices were subjected to heating at 150 °C for approximately 1100 h, and their electrical characterization revealed a steady rise in current during constant voltage (5 V) conditions. This study enhances our understanding of MoS 2 stability and provides guidance for improving the reliability of MoS 2 -based devices in high-temperature electronic applications.

2D materials↗
NASA NTRS1976

Graphite and ablative material response to CO2 laser, carbon-arc, and xenon-arc radiation

The behavior was investigated of graphite and several charring ablators in a variety of high-radiative heat-flux environments. A commercial-grade graphite and nine state-of-the-art charring ablators were subjected to various radiative environments produced by a CO2 laser and a carbon arc. Graphite was also tested in xenon-arc radiation. Heat-flux levels ranged from 10 to 47 MW/sq m. Tests were conducted in air, nitrogen, helium, and a CO2-N2 mixture which simulated the Venus atmosphere. The experimental results were compared with theoretical results obtained with a one-dimensional charring-ablator analysis and a two-dimensional subliming-ablator analysis. Neither the graphite nor the charring ablators showed significant differences in appearance or microstructure after testing in the different radiative environments. The performance of phenolic nylon and graphite was predicted satisfactorily with existing analyses and published material property data. Good agreement between experimental and analytical results was obtained by using sublimation parameters from a chemical nonequilibrium analysis of graphite sublimation. Some charring ablators performed reasonably well and could withstand radiative fluxes of the level encountered in certain planetary entries. Other materials showed excessive surface recession and/or large amounts of cracking and spalling, and appear to be unsuitable for severe radiative environments.

Brewer, W. D.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Large scale polymer toughening of two-dimensional materials revealed by in situ TEM fracture tests and multiscale simulations

Two-dimensional (2D) materials offer significant potential for applications in energy-harvesting devices, batteries, sensors, and transistors. However, their intrinsic brittleness makes them prone to mechanical failure, limiting their practical use. In this work, we perform in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) fracture tests on monolayer MoSe2 and uncover an extrinsic toughening effect induced by an ultrathin adsorbed polystyrene adlayer. This adlayer substantially enhances the fracture resistance of the 2D flakes. Through a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and finite element analysis, we elucidate the molecular mechanism behind this toughening effect. Further, it arises from the active crack-bridging behavior of entangled polymer chains and the formation of a fracture process zone that stabilizes crack propagation and increases the energy required for crack extension. The proposed toughening mechanism offers a pathway to improving the mechanical reliability of 2D material-based devices by mitigating the risk of sudden failure.

2D materials↗
DOE OSTI2025

Porosity, swelling, and composition evolution in high-burnup monolithic U-Mo fuel

The microstructural progression of very high-burnup (>8 × 10 21 fissions/cm 3 ) monolithic uranium-molybdenum (U-10wt.%Mo) was analyzed, providing crucial insights into the behavior of post-recrystallized nuclear fuel, where scant data exists. Three focused ion beam cuboids sourced from a fuel plate with varying local burnups of 8.86 × 10 21 , 9.05 × 10 21 , and 9.36 × 10 21 fissions/cm 3 were characterized. The porosity and composition of the samples were evaluated to characterize the evolution of the microstructure as a function of fission density and different locations on the fuel plate, while simultaneously isolating plate-specific parameters such as Zr diffusion barrier thickness, hot-isostatic-pressing conditions, enrichment, and reactor conditions. The porosity was segmented, and the three-dimensional distribution of the porosity was extrapolated from the two-dimensional segmentation. The composition was assessed and quantified using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy areal mapping. The porosity fraction increased as a function of the burnup from 27.77±0.51, 35.12±1.54, and 37.71±0.44 % for 8.86 × 10 21 , 9.05 × 10 21 , and 9.36 × 10 21 fissions/cm 3 , respectively. When compared to literature, the porosity volume fraction plateaus at burnups greater than 6 × 10 21 fissions/cm 3 , while the pore size grows linearly as a function of fission density. The number of large pores increased in number density as a function of burnup, while the smallest pores (<0.3 µm) increased up to 9.05 × 10 21 fissions/cm 3 , followed by a decrease at 9.36 × 10 21 fissions/cm 3 . The delamination and cracking in the fuel plate propagated through an interconnected porosity sublayer identified ∼5 µm from the diffusion barrier. The local swelling of the specimens was within or near the prediction bounds of the Robinson-Williams model for local swelling. The fission products, strontium, barium, cerium, and cesium, precipitated into the pores, while neodymium accumulated adjacent to the pores. Furthermore, these findings have direct implications for the development of fuel performance codes and the accurate documentation of the microstructure evolution in high burnup U-Mo, thus enhancing the safety and efficiency of nuclear fuel usage.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Implementation of compound refractive lenses for large field-of-view x-ray phase-contrast imaging during hypervelocity impact experiments

Synchrotron x-ray phase-contrast imaging (XPCI) offers time-resolved visualization of dynamic compression phenomena, but its intrinsically small field-of-view (FOV) limits the time that key features remain in frame. A novel approach to enlarge the FOV is achieved by positioning a two-dimensional parabolic compound refractive lens (CRL) upstream of the sample to deliberately defocus the white beam. Ray-tracing simulations and XPCI measurements show that this CRL configuration can expand the beam by ∼50% vertically and ∼15% horizontally based on the full width at half-maximum of the beam. Implementing the CRL, however, attenuates the photon flux and lowers signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Task-based analysis using a calibration grid (30 μm dots) showed that both setups fail to consistently meet the Rose criterion (SNR ≥ 5) for features of this size in single-bunch imaging. Extrapolating the measured SNR Rose values suggests that the minimum consistently detectable feature lies closer to 30–40 μm for the standard XPCI setup and above 40 μm for CRL-XPCI. Despite this limitation, the CRL configuration nearly doubles the illuminated area, enabling simultaneous tracking of front and rear observations of boron carbide targets subjected to rod and sphere impacts at 1.0–2.6 km/s. Image tracking algorithms and photonic Doppler velocimetry were used to measure penetration and rear-surface velocity histories. Together, these measurements capture crack fronts, penetration, and material breakout, offering new benchmark data for validating high-strain-rate constitutive models of ceramic materials.

Ceramic materials↗
NASA NTRS1979

Design, fabrication and spin testing of ceramic blade metal disk attachment

A ceramic turbine blade-metal disk attachment was designed for small, non man-rated turbine engine applications. The selected design consisted of a hot pressed silicon nitride blade having a skewed dovetail attachment with a compliant interlayer between the disk and the blade. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional analyses predicted that life goals could be achieved, considering both NDE limitations and crack growth rates for the ceramic material. Twenty ceramic blades were fabricated to closely-held manufacturing tolerances. New fracture mechanics data at elevated temperature are presented.

Calvert, G.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Eddy current probe response to open and closed surface flaws

A general analysis of eddy current response to certain types of open and closed surface flaws is presented for both standard low-frequency and ferromagnetic-resonance (FMR) probes. It is shown analytically that for two-dimensional and three-dimensional surface flaws interrogated by a uniform probe field, the crack opening sensitivity increases with the operating frequency of the probe, this behavior being due to the Faraday induction effect. Experiments with low-frequency probes operating at or below 1 MHz and with the FMR probe operating at approximately 1000 MHz confirm this increase of the crack mouth opening displacement for practical situations where the probe field is not uniform in the vicinity of the flaw.

Auld, B. A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

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.↗