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At least 541 records · Page 30

Steady vibrations of wing of circular plan form

This paper treats the problem of determining the lift, moment, and induced drag of a thin wing of circular plan form in uniform incompressible flow on the basis of linearized theory. As contrasted to a similar paper by Kinner, in which the acceleration potential method was used, the present paper utilizes the concept of the velocity potential. Calculations of the lift and moment are presented for several deformed shapes. It is shown that considerable deviations exist between the strip theory analysis and the more exact theory. The lift, moment, and induced drag are also determined for a harmonically oscillatory circular plan form wing. As contrasted to a similar paper by Schade, in which the acceleration potential method was used, the present paper utilizes the concept of the velocity potential. Expressions for lift, moment, and induced drag are given and finally specialized to the case of a slowly oscillating circular wing.

FLUTTER - WINGS↗

A theory for turbulent curved wall jets

An attempt is made to formulate the simplest possible model for the flow of a wall jet emanating from a two dimensional source into quiescent surroundings in the presence of a wall of arbitrary shape. The method used self similar profiles for the mean velocity together with a simple eddy viscosity model. The streamwise and radial momentum equations are integrated across the wall jet flow to give an expression for the momentum balance including the effect of the pressure gradient induced by the rate of change of surface curvature. The streamwise momentum equation is also evaluated at the point of maximum velocity to provide a second equation and thereby permit a solution for the two unknown quantities, the jet half width and the maximum velocity. This approach provides approximate closed form solutions for the flow of the wall jet over surfaces of various shapes, and in particular permits a direct comparison with the available experimental results for plane, cylindrical or logarithmic spiral surfaces.

Roberts, Leonard↗

FY24 Report on Water NSTF Testing: Lower Tank Inlet Piping Configuration

The following report serves as a summary of the accomplishments and testing results by the Natural convection Shutdown heat removal Test Facility (NSTF) experimental program over the past 12-month period. A major activity included reconfiguration of the chimney piping geometry which altered the discharge position into the tank from the original 50% tank height to a new lower position at a 10.9% tank height. This modification increases the volume of available coolant thus extending long-term operating capacity, however also results in a decreased liquid driving head which has the potential to reduce the natural circulation efficiency and decrease overall performance. Examination of the tradeoffs for these two configurations is an area of interest for RCCS designers and drove planned test activities this year. Ten matrix tests were performed in FY24, totaling 195 hours of heated operations and 12.9 MWh of electrical heating throughout the year, with eight classified as Accepted per NQA-1 and two classified as Trending. Testing prior to the facility reconfiguration examined the facility response to throttling at the tank inlet, demonstrating increased sensitivity of flow instabilities to throttling within the two-phase region when compared to throttling at the lower sensitivity single-phase inlet region. Testing after the chimney reconfiguration began with a baseline test at conditions of 80% inventory fill and prototypic thermal power input of 2.1 MW t . In addition to establishing a reference for nominal system behavior and performance, repeat testing with multiple subsequent runs demonstrated strong repeatability between tests performed at the same conditions in this new configuration. These tests also examined if influences would occur to system behavior with installation of new higher-resolution instrumentation within the upper chimney. In this critical region where boiling and flashing phenomena dominate, the test results provided confidence that the new instrumentation does not uncharacteristically influence the observed behaviors. An inventory parametric series was then initiated to examine system behavior with the new chimney configuration at six varying initial inventory levels, ranging from high 80% to low 20% fill. Two-phase oscillations with similar peak and mean flow rates were observed when comparing to the previous mid tank configuration. Generally, similar system response trends with inventory were also observed, such as two phase oscillations suppressing as inventories were lowered. However, in one absolute inventory comparison at the highest fill of 80%, flow oscillations saw a gradual growth over the 4 hours of two-phase operation in the new lower tank inlet configuration, opposite of the gradual dampening observed in the mid tank inlet configuration. This can be attributed to, in part, a greater hydrostatic head pressure above the two-phase discharge region where the boiling front is developed. Furthermore, the change resulted in greater sensitivity to liquid degassing phenomena during single-phase heating, causing loop instabilities to form which trigged moderate flow degradation during the period approaching saturation and boiling conditions. This behavior had been observed previously under some conditions but was a common occurrence in recent testing with the newer lower tank inlet configuration. Initial observations from these first data sets suggest an overall larger window of stability for the mid tank inlet configuration compared to the lower tank inlet. Lastly, the lowest inventory fill test was repeated over an extended testing window to examine depletion behavior. Natural circulation flow and effective heat removal performance were observed during most of the testing period; only after the tank became fully drained (0% fill) did flow stagnate and violent geysering events occur. This early observation confirms one relative advantage over the mid tank inlet configuration, which stagnated under comparable conditions at ~20% inventory remaining in the tank.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Effect of Shear Displacement and Stress Changes on Fracture Hydraulic Aperture and Flow Anisotropy

Fluid flow in fractures has the potential to drastically change the economic, environmental, and safety risks associated with a subsurface operation. This work focuses on the analysis of experimental shear fracturing and subsequent shear displacement of a shale specimen that contains multiple pre-existing natural fractures. A triaxial direct shear apparatus with concurrent µCT imaging allowed continuous monitoring of sample permeability and changes in fracture geometry during fracture creation, displacement, and changes in stress. Steady-state, low Reynolds number fluid flow simulations were used to determine the changes of each individual fracture’s hydraulic aperture due to displacement and effective stress. The development of anisotropy in the hydraulic aperture of a generated shear fracture was determined for shear displacements of 0.38, 0.74, and 2.04 mm. At high confining stress (30 MPa), shear displacement significantly reduced the hydraulic aperture of the shear fracture to below flow detectable limits and X-ray imaging resolution (23 × 23 × 23 µm 3 ). The shear generated fracture was found to be more sensitive to changes in effective stress compared to the pre-existing natural fractures. Existing models derived from fluid flow equations accounting for stochastic fracture roughness were able to partially fit the simulated flow properties of the pre-existing fractures, but no model was found to fit the flow properties of the newly formed shear fracture. These results are the first report of simultaneous changes in the geometry and flow properties of surrounding, parallel natural fractures as a shear fracture is generated with varying stress and shear displacement conditions.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Active Flow Control for Trailing Edge Flap Separation

Active flow control (AFC) in the form of sweeping jet (SWJ) excitation and discrete steady jet excitation is used to control the flow separation on an NACA 0015 semispan wing with a deflected, simple-hinged, trailing edge flap. This geometry has been the focus of several recent publications that investigated methods to improve the efficiency of sweeping jet actuators. In the current study, the interaction of the AFC excitation with the separated flowfields present at several flap deflection angles was examined. Previous studies with this model have been limited to a maximum flap deflection angle of 40°. The flap deflection range was extended to 60! because systems studies have indicated that a high-lift system with simple-hinged flaps may require larger flap deflections than the Fowler flaps found on most high-lift systems. The results obtained at flap deflection angles of 20°, 40°, and 60° are presented and compared. Force and moment data, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) data, and steady and unsteady surface pressure data are used to describe the flowfield with and without AFC. With a flap deflection of 60°, increasing the SWJ actuator momentum at the flap shoulder increased lift due to an increase in circulation but did not completely eliminate the recirculation region above the flap surface. AFC using the discrete steady jet actuators of this study increased lift as well but required more mass flow than the SWJ actuators and had a detrimental effect on lift at the highest mass flow level tested. PIV results showed that the angle between the excitation and the flap surface was not optimal for attaching the separated shear layer.

Melton, LaTunia Pack↗

Concepts for radically increasing the numerical convergence rate of the Euler equations

Integral equation and finite difference methods have been developed for solving transonic flow problems using linearized forms of the transonic small disturbance and Euler equations. A key element is the use of a strained coordinate system in which the shock remains fixed. Additional criteria are developed to determine the free parameters in the coordinate straining; these free parameters are functions of the shock location. An integral equation analysis showed that the shock is located by ensuring that no expansion shocks exist in the solution. The expansion shock appears as oscillations in the solution near the sonic line, and the correct shock location is determined by removing these oscillations. A second objective was to study the ability of the Euler equation to model separated flow.

Nixon, David↗

Intrepretation of surface features and surface processes on Mars

Eolian erosion and deposition on earth was studied in order to interpret the eolian land forms of Mars. Emphasis of the wind tunnel studies was on the flow field around models of eolian forms. Areas of the wind tunnel studies include: simulation of the atmospheric boundary layer; velocity profile measurements around different models in the desert boundary layer, and estimating shear stress distributions on the model surfaces; flow visualization techniques; streamline mapping using tuft photographs; and roughness contrasts.

Gad-El-hak, M.↗

Numerical simulation of flows in curved diffusers with cross-sectional transitioning using a three-dimensional viscous analysis

A three dimensional analysis for fully viscous, subsonic, compressible flow is evaluated. An approximate form of the Navier Stokes equations is solved by an implicit spatial marching technique. Calculations were made for flow in a circular S duct and in the F 16 inlet duct. The computed total pressure contours and secondary flow velocity vectors are presented. Qualitative comparisons with experiment are shown for both ducts. The analysis is used to show how the cross section transitioning in the F 16 inlet suppresses the development of a secondary flow vortex.

Towne, C. E.↗

Generation of Martian chaos and channels by debris flows

A debris flow mechanism is proposed to account for the formation of chaos and the large channels debouching into Crysae Planitia from the adjacent southern uplands of Mars. Based on considerations of the juxtaposition of individual channel environments, the morphological assemblages within each environment and flow dynamics, it is suggested that the debris flows were triggered by the large-scale failure of subsurface sediments, possibly initiated by a seismic event. During the initial, slow-moving phase of the flow, the debris would have formed gently sinuous channels with multiple side-wall slumps, grooves and ridges, and elongate erosional remnants. The flow would have gained mobility as the debris moved downslope, producing travel distances greatly in excess of those characteristic of terrestrial examples, and eroded, streamlined remnants at the distal reaches of the channel. Finally, due to internal and boundary friction, the flow would have been slowed down once it entered the Chryse plains, resulting in a thin debris blanket with no depositional relief.

Nummedal, D.↗

Systems Modeling to Implement Integrated System Health Management Capability

ISHM capability includes: detection of anomalies, diagnosis of causes of anomalies, prediction of future anomalies, and user interfaces that enable integrated awareness (past, present, and future) by users. This is achieved by focused management of data, information and knowledge (DIaK) that will likely be distributed across networks. Management of DIaK implies storage, sharing (timely availability), maintaining, evolving, and processing. Processing of DIaK encapsulates strategies, methodologies, algorithms, etc. focused on achieving high ISHM Functional Capability Level (FCL). High FCL means a high degree of success in detecting anomalies, diagnosing causes, predicting future anomalies, and enabling health integrated awareness by the user. A model that enables ISHM capability, and hence, DIaK management, is denominated the ISHM Model of the System (IMS). We describe aspects of the IMS that focus on processing of DIaK. Strategies, methodologies, and algorithms require proper context. We describe an approach to define and use contexts, implementation in an object-oriented software environment (G2), and validation using actual test data from a methane thruster test program at NASA SSC. Context is linked to existence of relationships among elements of a system. For example, the context to use a strategy to detect leak is to identify closed subsystems (e.g. bounded by closed valves and by tanks) that include pressure sensors, and check if the pressure is changing. We call these subsystems Pressurizable Subsystems. If pressure changes are detected, then all members of the closed subsystem become suspect of leakage. In this case, the context is defined by identifying a subsystem that is suitable for applying a strategy. Contexts are defined in many ways. Often, a context is defined by relationships of function (e.g. liquid flow, maintaining pressure, etc.), form (e.g. part of the same component, connected to other components, etc.), or space (e.g. physically close, touching the same common element, etc.). The context might be defined dynamically (if conditions for the context appear and disappear dynamically) or statically. Although this approach is akin to case-based reasoning, we are implementing it using a software environment that embodies tools to define and manage relationships (of any nature) among objects in a very intuitive manner. Context for higher level inferences (that use detected anomalies or events), primarily for diagnosis and prognosis, are related to causal relationships. This is useful to develop root-cause analysis trees showing an event linked to its possible causes and effects. The innovation pertaining to RCA trees encompasses use of previously defined subsystems as well as individual elements in the tree. This approach allows more powerful implementations of RCA capability in object-oriented environments. For example, if a pressurizable subsystem is leaking, its root-cause representation within an RCA tree will show that the cause is that all elements of that subsystem are suspect of leak. Such a tree would apply to all instances of leak-events detected and all elements in all pressurizable subsystems in the system. Example subsystems in our environment to build IMS include: Pressurizable Subsystem, Fluid-Fill Subsystem, Flow-Thru-Valve Subsystem, and Fluid Supply Subsystem. The software environment for IMS is designed to potentially allow definition of any relationship suitable to create a context to achieve ISHM capability.

Figueroa, Jorge F.↗

Thermodynamic constraints on the textural evolution of eucrite, EET 90020

Basaltic eucrites, which are possibly parts of the Vestan crust, formed as either lava flows or intrusions, and can offer insights into early crust formation. However most eucrites have experienced thermal metamorphism, which exacerbates the challenges of understanding these samples. A variety of petrogenetic models such as, partial melting of a primitive source, fractional crystallization of magmas emplaced in a primitive crust, and/or partial melting of a eucritic source coupled with melt mixing and assimilation have been proposed in order to explain observed petrologic and chemical characteristics of eucrites. EET 90020 is an unbrecciated eucrite that has experienced significant thermal metamorphism, with temperatures of metamorphic equilibration calculated to be ~840-1040°C. Its petrologic history remains contentious, in part due to differences in trace element analyses [10,17, this work], which has led to multiple metamorphic interpretations [8,10-11]. Here, we combined petrologic observations, chemical analyses, and thermodynamic modeling, to interpret micro-domain textures identified in EET 90020 and better constrain its petrologic history. Ultimately, the development of such textures is a direct result of the geologic processes operating on a young Vesta or similar asteroid. Sample description: We identified three textural domains in EET 90020 (Figure 1); (I) A coarse grain domain with granoblastic plagioclase and pyroxene, (II) a medium grain domain with curved grain boundaries between plagioclase and pyroxene, and (III) a fine grain domain dominated by tridymite that fills in interstitial space between spherical plagioclase. Major element chemistry in phases is consistent across domains. Pyroxene have distinctive high Ca lamellae (Wo40.92En28.1Fs31.0) forming from the low-Ca pigeonite host (Wo3.5En33.7Fs62.8). There are small amounts of fayalitic olivine along pyroxene/oxide grain boundaries, where pyroxenes have reacted with ilmenite/chromite clasts. Plagioclase is anorthitic (Avg ~An88), with little variation (An86-92.5). Trace element bulk rock analyses were collected via ICP-MS and individual mineral analyses with LA-ICP-MS (Figure 2). The bulk sample has an observable enrichment in light rare earth elements, with a notable depletion in Eu. Plagioclase is enriched in LREEs, depleted in HREEs, and has a positive Eu anomaly while pyroxene is enriched in HREEs with a negative Eu anomaly. Variations in trace element analyses is likely influenced by the presence of phosphates because are highly enriched in REEs and have a dramatic effect on the bulk domain compositions. Thermodynamic modeling: The software package, Perple_X, was used to calculate mineral phase equilibria over a range of conditions using a Gibbs free energy minimization approach [12]. Models used all major/minor elements except P2O5. Thermodynamic properties from [13] were used to constrain endmember phase stabilities. Activity models were used to describe mixing in phases with solid solution. Isochemical P-T phase diagrams were constructed for the bulk thin section, and the coarse, medium and fine grain domain compositions. Domain compositions were determined using microprobe analyses of phases identified in each domain and observed modal mineral abundancies. Thermodynamically stable pyroxene compositions were extracted from model results and compared to pyroxene compositions collected via EMPA, allowing us to calculate temperatures for metamorphic equilibrium. Results: Results that use the coarse domain composition (Fig. 3a) demonstrate overlap at T ~ 1020°C indicating high T equilibration. There was no overlap for the medium and fine grain domains, or the bulk composition (e.g., Fig. 3b) indicating that these are not equilibrium assemblages. These results were replicated using data from [8,20]. Discussion: The disequilibrium results from the bulk rock, fine grain and medium grain models imply that EET 90020 was modified during and/or after peak metamorphism (open system behavior). However, this is in contrast to the coarse domain where it appears as if equilibrium was maintained. We suggest that this conflict is explained by highly localized equilibrium occurring at millimeter length-scales, which has been observed in terrestrial metamorphism where aqueous fluid infiltrate [14] or melt loss occurs [15]. It is unlikely that aqueous alteration was significant in modifying the bulk composition of EET 90020, because it lacks hydrated minerals. However, the presence of melt is supported by the presence of an abundance of curved grain boundaries and spherical grains in the medium and fine grain domains This contrasts the coarse domain, where grain boundaries are angular. Given the evidence for disequilibrium in the medium and fine grain domains, it would be inappropriate to draw additional conclusions about textural evolution using thermodynamic models of those domains. However, modeling results of the coarse grain domain, where equilibrium was maintained, can provide useful insights into the geologic evolution of EET 90020. We approximate maximum metamorphic temperatures, using the Ca component in pyroxene, at ~1020°C (Fig. 4), which is consistent with previous two-pyroxene thermometry [11]. At this temperature, up to 10 vol % melt can be produced in the coarse grain domain, which is at the boundary of minimum melt needed in order to segregate and form a melt network [16]. Tridymite and plagioclase would be the first minerals to melt out during heating starting ~990°C. This is consistent with the observed melt textures formed by tridymite and plagioclase in the fine grain domain. We suggest that a partial melting model best explains the textural development of EET 90020. Upon heating, melt generated was either trapped, resulting in no net change in the localized rock composition, or migrated, resulting in disequilibrium between pyroxene and the surrounding matrix. A positive Eu anomaly in plagioclase indicates that all of the plagioclase was melted previously. This is consistent with previous studies that have suggested that EET 90020 represents a residual eucrite that experienced partial melting and subsequent melt loss [8]. We speculate that partial melting could have occurred when EET 90020 was heated in the asteroid’s lower crust or adjacent to an intrusion [7]. Future work will study other, texturally heterogeneous samples to see if EET 90020 presents a unique circumstance or whether crustal partial melting was ubiquitous on the eucrite asteroid.

Eucrites↗

Laminar to Turbulence Transition in Boundary Layers due to Tripping Devices

Direct numerical simulations (DNS)and linear stability analyses were performed to identify the mechanisms by whichtwo-and three-dimensional trips promote early transition in subsonic boundary layers over a flat plate. Investigations were conducted for threeboundary-layer transition trip configurations:a two-dimensional smooth hump,a two-dimensional rectangular-shapedrod and a three-dimensional zig-zagtape. The smooth hump was used by Park et al.1in the linear and nonlinear parabolized stability (PSE) computations. Reynolds numbersbased on the tripheights are 710, 683,and 300 for the two-and three-dimensional trips, respectively. Simulations withthe smooth hump showed that the flow becomes stable upstream and strongly unstable downstream of the hump. Simulations with the two-dimensional rectangular trip showed that the flow separates at the top of the trip and forms a long recirculation zonedownstream. However, the flow remains steady in the simulation without any external disturbances. Linear stability analysis showed that the inflectional profile in the recirculation zone is strongly unstable to frequencies in the range of 100-300 Hz. Simulations with the external disturbances forced at the frequency of 200 Hz showed that disturbances grow strongly inside the recirculation zone as observed in the Klebanoff2 experiment. Three-dimensional simulations with secondary disturbances of fundamental, subharmonic, and oblique types produced turbulent flows shortlydownstream. The three-dimensional zig-zag trip with a small roughness Reynolds number lead to early breakdown to a turbulent flow.

Stability↗

Experimental and numerical investigation of supersonic turbulent flow in an annular duct

Experimental and numerical results are presented for developing supersonic turbulent flow in an annular duct formed by a circular centerbody and outer shroud. The experimental results are based on data taken in a new flow facility that was designed to generate a shock-free, supersonic annular flow. Numerical computations were performed using the Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model for comparison with experimentally measured profiles. The results demonstrate that computed and measured profiles are in excellent agreement, so that studies can now be conducted of shock wave/boundary layer interaction phenomena within the duct, such as those induced by changes in downstream duct geometry or by the placement of struts between the duct walls.

Williams, K. E.↗

Bell Regio, Venus: Integration of remote sensing data and terrestrial analogs for geologic analysis

The geology and surface morphology of Bell Regio (18-42 deg N, 32-58 deg E) are investigated using a combination of Magellan, Venera, and analogous terrestrial data. The properties of surface units are compared to either direct terrestrial analog measurements or to the behaviors predicted by theoretical models. Five major volcanic sources are identified from geologic mapping (Tepev Mons, Nefertiti corona, a large shield volcano east of Tepev, and two small edifices southeast of Tepev). The volcano Api Mons lies northeast of the main Bell uplift. The oldest volcanic units are associated with an extensive low shield volcano east of Tepev Mons and a small edifice southeast of Tepev. The annular flow apron of Tepev Mons formed next, with volcanism at a second small edifice on the southeast flank of Tepev Mons producing the youngest flow units. Comparisons between Magellan data, terrestrial radar images, and field topography profiles suggest that only three units resemble terrestrial a'a flows; the remainder are consistent with smoother pahoehoe-type surfaces. This suggests that most of the flow units were erupted at relatively low volume effusion rates (less than 100 cu m/sec) over long periods of time or had very low viscosities

Campbell, Bruce A.↗

Theory of wing sections of arbitrary shape

This report presents a solution of the problem of the theoretical flow of a frictionless incompressible fluid past airfoils of arbitrary forms. The velocity of the 2-dimensional flow is explicitly expressed for any point of the surface, and for any orientation, by an exact expression containing a number of parameters which are functions of the form only and which may be evaluated by convenient graphical methods. The method is particularly simple and convenient for bodies of streamline forms. The results have been applied to typical airfoils and compared with experimental data.

Theodorsen, Theodore↗

Using groundwater noble gas measurements to confirm paleorecharge hypotheses at Pahute Mesa, Nevada National Security Site, Nevada, USA

Pahute Mesa (Nevada, USA) was the site of 85 underground nuclear tests between 1965 and 1992 whose residual radio-chemical inventory poses a contaminant threat to local groundwater resources. To assess the fate and transport of these radionuclides in groundwater, several geochemical studies, including this one, have been conducted to understand long-term groundwater flow patterns at, and downgradient of, Pahute Mesa. Groundwater samples from the Pahute Mesa area at the Nevada National Security Site were analyzed for noble gases ( 3 He/ 4 He isotopic ratio and He, Ne, Kr, Ar and Xe concentrations) to infer groundwater recharge temperatures and provide additional evidence in support of groundwater flow patterns and the presence of late-pluvial Pleistocene groundwater. These data confirm recent findings (based on groundwater geochemistry and isotope compositions) that most recharge in the area occurred under temperature conditions much cooler than are found today, except near major drainages where ephemeral run of continues to recharge shallow groundwater. These noble gas data indicate that noble gas recharge temperatures and terrigenic He components have been reset where groundwater has flowed upward over barriers formed by caldera margins, or near the regional discharge area (Oasis Valley) where shallow groundwater has interacted with shallow soil gas. This evidence from groundwater noble gas measurements, in combination with other isotopic and geochemical studies, supports the current understanding of the unusual hydrogeology and recharge history of Pahute Mesa.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Microstructure and strengthening of Al-6Ce-3Ni-0.7Fe (wt%) alloy manufactured by laser powder-bed fusion

In this study, an Al-6Ce-3Ni-0.7Fe (wt%) alloy was fabricated via laser powder-bed fusion and its microstructure, thermal stability, tensile properties, and creep properties are investigated for two rapid-solidification rates with different eutectic spacings. For both faster- and slower-cooled states, the as-fabricated alloy mostly shows elongated grains with very fine eutectic networks (~40 nm lamellar width) comprising a high-volume fraction (~18 %) of intermetallic phases. Faster-cooled samples, however, display a less continuous eutectic network with finer spacing (~100 nm), leading to higher Orowan strengthening and therefore superior microhardness and yield stress up to ~350 °C. Upon aging (300 - 450 °C), micron-size Al 9 (Ni,Fe) 2 needle-like precipitates form within grains, and the Al 11 Ce 3 eutectic network spheroidizes, while retaining a submicron width and spacing, resulting in 33–37 % drop in microhardness after 144 h aging at 400 °C. Limited tensile ductility (~6 %) and creep ductility (~1-2 %) are measured for both faster- and slower-cooled alloys due to an inhomogeneous microstructure, where cavitation preferentially initiates at melt-pool boundaries, precipitate-free zones, and/or denuded zones, eventually leading to local fracture. Denuded zones, induced by stress, form due to diffusional flow with stress-dependent orientations, and are identified as microstructurally weak regions leading to strain localization. The present alloy does not show a significant difference in 300 °C creep resistance between: (i) tensile and compressive loading, (ii) faster- and slower-cooled samples, and (iii) continuous and spheroidized eutectics. Creep resistance at 300 °C is comparable to that of a Ce-richer Al-10.5Ce-3.1Ni-1.2Mn (wt%) alloy, despite the formation of denuded zones and needle-like Al 9 (Ni,Fe) 2 precipitates.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A variational phase-field framework for thermal softening and dynamic ductile fracture

A variational phase field model for dynamic ductile fracture is presented. Here, the model is designed for elasto-viscoplastic materials subjected to rapid deformations in which the effects of heat generation and material softening are dominant. The variational framework allows for the consistent inclusion of plastic dissipation in the heat equation as well as thermal softening. It employs a coalescence function to degrade fracture energy during regimes of high plastic flow. A variationally consistent form of the Johnson–Cook model is developed for use with the framework. Results from various benchmark problems in dynamic ductile fracture are presented to demonstrate capabilities. In particular, the ability of the model to regularize shear band formation and subsequent damage evolution in two- and three-dimensional problems is demonstrated. Importantly, these phenomena are naturally captured through the underlying physics without the need for phenomenological criteria such as stability thresholds for the onset of shear band formation.

42 ENGINEERING↗