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At least 73 records · Page 4

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NASA NTRS1992

A micromechanics-based strength prediction methodology for notched metal matrix composites

An analytical micromechanics based strength prediction methodology was developed to predict failure of notched metal matrix composites. The stress-strain behavior and notched strength of two metal matrix composites, boron/aluminum (B/Al) and silicon-carbide/titanium (SCS-6/Ti-15-3), were predicted. The prediction methodology combines analytical techniques ranging from a three dimensional finite element analysis of a notched specimen to a micromechanical model of a single fiber. In the B/Al laminates, a fiber failure criteria based on the axial and shear stress in the fiber accurately predicted laminate failure for a variety of layups and notch-length to specimen-width ratios with both circular holes and sharp notches when matrix plasticity was included in the analysis. For the SCS-6/Ti-15-3 laminates, a fiber failure based on the axial stress in the fiber correlated well with experimental results for static and post fatigue residual strengths when fiber matrix debonding and matrix cracking were included in the analysis. The micromechanics based strength prediction methodology offers a direct approach to strength prediction by modeling behavior and damage on a constituent level, thus, explicitly including matrix nonlinearity, fiber matrix debonding, and matrix cracking.

Bigelow, C. A.↗

NASA NTRS1993

A micromechanics-based strength prediction methodology for notched metal-matrix composites

An analytical micromechanics-based strength prediction methodology was developed to predict failure of notched metal matrix composites. The stress-strain behavior and notched strength of two metal matrix composites, boron/aluminum (B/Al) and silicon-carbide/titanium (SCS-6/Ti-15-3), were predicted. The prediction methodology combines analytical techniques ranging from a three-dimensional finite element analysis of a notched specimen to a micromechanical model of a single fiber. In the B/Al laminates, a fiber failure criteria based on the axial and shear stress in the fiber accurately predicted laminate failure for a variety of layups and notch-length to specimen-width ratios with both circular holes and sharp notches when matrix plasticity was included in the analysis. For the SCS-6/Ti-15-3 laminates, a fiber failure based on the axial stress in the fiber correlated well with experimental results for static and postfatigue residual strengths when fiber matrix debonding and matrix cracking were included in the analysis. The micromechanics-based strength prediction methodology offers a direct approach to strength prediction by modeling behavior and damage on a constituent level, thus, explicitly including matrix nonlinearity, fiber matrix debonding, and matrix cracking.

Bigelow, C. A.↗

NASA NTRS1992

A differential CDM model for fatigue of unidirectional metal matrix composites

A multiaxial, isothermal, continuum damage mechanics (CDM) model for fatigue of a unidirectional metal matrix composite volume element is presented. The model is phenomenological, stress based, and assumes a single scalar internal damage variable, the evolution of which is anisotropic. The development of the fatigue damage model, (i.e., evolutionary law) is based on the definition of an initially transversely isotropic fatigue limit surface, a static fracture surface, and a normalized stress amplitude function. The anisotropy of these surfaces and function, and therefore the model, is defined through physically meaningful invariants reflecting the local stress and material orientation. This transversely isotropic model is shown, when taken to it's isotropic limit, to directly simplify to a previously developed and validated isotropic fatigue continuum damage model. Results of a nondimensional parametric study illustrate (1) the flexibility of the present formulation in attempting to characterize a class of composite materials, and (2) the capability of the formulation in predicting anticipated qualitative trends in the fatigue behavior of unidirectional metal matrix composites. Also, specific material parameters representing an initial characterization of the composite system SiC/Ti 15-3 and the matrix material (Ti 15-3) are reported.

Arnold, S. M.↗

NASA NTRS1988

P/M aluminum metal matrix composites

Development of lightweight, high specific stiffness engineered materials has been the long term goal of many investigators. Recently, this quest has focused on discontinuously reinforced aluminum metal matrix composites. This paper reviews the fabrication of powder metallurgy discontinuously reinforced metal matrix composites. Emphasis is given to the differences in heat treatment response reported between unreinforced and reinforced powder metallurgy materials. It is proposed that these observations can be rationalized by considering the effects of pre-existing heterogeneous nucleation sites, i.e., the dislocation substructure developed during rapid cooling of discontinuously reinforced aluminum metal matrix composites, on precipitation in reinforced aluminum alloys.

Rack, H. J.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Analysis of notched metal matrix composites under tension loading

Presented are techniques based on 3-D finite-element analysis for the examination of continuous fiber reinforced metal matrix composites. Examples are shown for specific metal matrix composites such as boron/aluminum and silicon-carbide/aluminum. Specimen stress-strain behavior and stress at first fiber failure were predicted for boron/aluminum laminates containing circular holes and crack-like slits. The predictions compared very well for (+ or - 45) sub 2s laminates. Mesh configuration was shown to have an effect on the calculation of stresses local to the notch. The presence of thin interface layers of matrix material had a significant influence on the slit-tip stress state, causing sharper stress gradients near the notch. Interface layers reduced the slit-tip fibers stresses in a (+ or - 45) sub s silicon-carbide/aluminum laminate but increased them in a (0/90) sub s laminate.

Bigelow, C. A.↗

NASA NTRS1971

Evaluation of metal matrix composites

The results of an evaluation of candidate metal-matrix composite materials for shuttle space radiators mounted to external structure are presented. The evaluation was specifically applicable to considerations of the manufacturing and properties of a potential space radiator. Two candidates, boron/aluminum and graphite/aluminum were obtained or made in various forms and tested in sufficient depth to allow selection of one of the two for future scale-up programs. The effort accomplished on this program verified that aluminum reinforced with boron was within the state-of-the-art in industry and possessed properties usable in the external skin areas available for shuttle radiators where re-entry temperatures will not exceed 800 F. It further demonstrated that graphite/aluminum has an apparently attractive future for space applications but requires extension development prior to scale-up.

Okelly, K. P.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Tensile and compressive test results for metal matrix composites

Experimental results of the mechanical behavior of two metal matrix composite systems at room temperature are presented. Ultimate stress, ultimate strain, Poisson's ratio, and initial Young's Modulus are documented for BORSIC/Aluminum in uniaxial tension and Boron/Aluminum in uniaxial tension and compression. Poisson's ratio is used for nonlinear stress-strain behavior. A comparison of compression results for B/Al as obtained from sandwich beam compression specimens and IITRI coupon compression specimens is presented.

Shuart, M. J.↗

NASA NTRS1987

High temperature metal matrix composites for future aerospace systems

Research was conducted on metal matrix composites and intermetallic matrix composites to understand their behavior under anticipated future operating conditions envisioned for aerospace power and propulsion systems of the 21st century. Extremes in environmental conditions, high temperature, long operating lives, and cyclic conditions dictate that the test evaluations not only include laboratory testing, but simulated flight conditions. The various processing techniques employed to fabricate composites are discussed along with the basic research underway to understand the behavior of high temperature composites, and the relationship of this research to future aerospace systems.

Stephens, Joseph R.↗

NASA NTRS1988

High temperature metal matrix composites for future aerospace systems

Stephens, Joseph R.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Isothermal and nonisothermal fatigue behavior of a metal matrix composite

The isothermal and nonisothermal fatigue resistance of a metal matrix composite (MMC) consisting of Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn (Ti-15-3) matrix reinforced by 33 vol pct continuous SiC fibers was investigated. The fibers were nominally oriented parallel to the specimen axis. Isothermal fatigue tests were performed in air at 300 and 550 C. The MMC had good isothermal fatigue resistance at low cyclic stress, with fatigue cracks initiating from fiber-matrix interfaces and foil laminations. At high cyclic stresses, stress relaxation in the matrix reduced isothermal composite fatigue resistance at 550 C. Nonisothermal fatigue loading substantially degraded composite fatigue resistnce. This degradation was produced by a thermomechanical fatigue damage mechanism associated with the fiber-matrix interfaces.

Gabb, T. P.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Prediction of matrix fatigue crack initiation in notched SCS-6/Ti-15-3 metal matrix composites

Several lay-ups of SCS-6/Ti-15-3 metal matrix composites were tested in either a center hole or a double edge notched geometry. At different cyclic strss levels, the number of cycles required to develop matrix fatigue cracks at the notches was recorded. A fatigue strat-life curve was developed for the Ti-15-3 matrix material. This modified parameter predicted the number of cycles required for matrix crack initiation at the notches. The predictions were in good agreement with the experimental data.

Hillberry, B. M.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Prediction of matrix fatigue crack initiation in notched SCS-6/Ti-15-3 metal matrix composites

Several lay-ups of SCS-6/Ti-15-3 metal matrix composites were tested in either a center hole or a double edge notched geometry. At different cyclic stress levels, the number of cycles required to develop matrix fatigue cracks at the notches was recorded. A fatigue strat-life curve was developed for the Ti-15-3 matrix material. This modified parameter predicted the number of cycles required for matrix crack initiation at the notches. The predictions were in good agreement with the experimental data.

Hillberry, Benjamin M.↗

NASA NTRS2003

High-Performance Acousto-Ultrasonic Scan System Being Developed

Acousto-ultrasonic (AU) interrogation is a single-sided nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technique employing separated sending and receiving transducers. It is used for assessing the microstructural condition and distributed damage state of the material between the transducers. AU is complementary to more traditional NDE methods, such as ultrasonic cscan, x-ray radiography, and thermographic inspection, which tend to be used primarily for discrete flaw detection. Throughout its history, AU has been used to inspect polymer matrix composites, metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, and even monolithic metallic materials. The development of a high-performance automated AU scan system for characterizing within-sample microstructural and property homogeneity is currently in a prototype stage at NASA. This year, essential AU technology was reviewed. In addition, the basic hardware and software configuration for the scanner was developed, and preliminary results with the system were described. Mechanical and environmental loads applied to composite materials can cause distributed damage (as well as discrete defects) that plays a significant role in the degradation of physical properties. Such damage includes fiber/matrix debonding (interface failure), matrix microcracking, and fiber fracture and buckling. Investigations at the NASA Glenn Research Center have shown that traditional NDE scan inspection methods such as ultrasonic c-scan, x-ray imaging, and thermographic imaging tend to be more suited to discrete defect detection rather than the characterization of accumulated distributed micro-damage in composites. Since AU is focused on assessing the distributed micro-damage state of the material in between the sending and receiving transducers, it has proven to be quite suitable for assessing the relative composite material state. One major success story at Glenn with AU measurements has been the correlation between the ultrasonic decay rate obtained during AU inspection and the mechanical modulus (stiffness) seen during fatigue experiments with silicon carbide/silicon carbide (SiC/SiC) ceramic matrix composite samples. As shown in the figure, ultrasonic decay increased as the modulus decreased for the ceramic matrix composite tensile fatigue samples. The likely microstructural reason for the decrease in modulus (and increase in ultrasonic decay) is the matrix microcracking that commonly occurs during fatigue testing of these materials. Ultrasonic decay has shown the capability to track the pattern of transverse cracking and fiber breakage in these composites.

Roth, Don J.↗

NASA NTRS2003

High-Performance Acousto-Ultrasonic Scan System Being Developed

Acousto-ultrasonic (AU) interrogation is a single-sided nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technique employing separated sending and receiving transducers. It is used for assessing the microstructural condition and distributed damage state of the material between the transducers. AU is complementary to more traditional NDE methods, such as ultrasonic cscan, x-ray radiography, and thermographic inspection, which tend to be used primarily for discrete flaw detection. Throughout its history, AU has been used to inspect polymer matrix composites, metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, and even monolithic metallic materials. The development of a high-performance automated AU scan system for characterizing within-sample microstructural and property homogeneity is currently in a prototype stage at NASA. This year, essential AU technology was reviewed. In addition, the basic hardware and software configuration for the scanner was developed, and preliminary results with the system were described. Mechanical and environmental loads applied to composite materials can cause distributed damage (as well as discrete defects) that plays a significant role in the degradation of physical properties. Such damage includes fiber/matrix debonding (interface failure), matrix microcracking, and fiber fracture and buckling. Investigations at the NASA Glenn Research Center have shown that traditional NDE scan inspection methods such as ultrasonic c-scan, x-ray imaging, and thermographic imaging tend to be more suited to discrete defect detection rather than the characterization of accumulated distributed microdamage in composites. Since AU is focused on assessing the distributed microdamage state of the material in between the sending and receiving transducers, it has proven to be quite suitable for assessing the relative composite material state. One major success story at Glenn with AU measurements has been the correlation between the ultrasonic decay rate obtained during AU inspection and the mechanical modulus (stiffness) seen during fatigue experiments with silicon carbide/silicon carbide (SiC/SiC) ceramic matrix composite samples. As shown in the figure, ultrasonic decay increased as the modulus decreased for the ceramic matrix composite tensile fatigue samples. The likely microstructural reason for the decrease in modulus (and increase in ultrasonic decay) is the matrix microcracking that commonly occurs during fatigue testing of these materials. Ultrasonic decay has shown the capability to track the pattern of transverse cracking and fiber breakage in these composites.

Roth, Don J.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Development of a High Performance Acousto-ultrasonic Scan System

Roth, D. J.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Analysis of notched metal matrix composites under tensile loading

This paper presents techniques based on a three-dimensional finite-element analysis for the analysis of continuous fiber reinforced metal matrix composite. Examples are shown for specific metal matrix composites such as boron/aluminum and silicon-carbide/aluminum. Specimen stress-strain behavior and stress at first fiber failure were predicted for boron/aluminum laminates containing circular holes and crack-like slits. The predictions compared very well with test data for laminates containing 0 deg fibers and reasonably well for (+/-45)2s laminates. Mesh configuration was shown to have an effect on the calculation of stresses local to the notch. The presence of thin interface layers of matrix material had a significant influence on the slit tip stress state, causing sharper stress gradients near the notch. Interface layers reduced the slit-tip fibers stress in a (+/-45)2s silicon-carbide/aluminum laminate but increased them in a (0/90)2s laminate.

Bigelow, C. A.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Metal Matrix Composite LOX Turbopump Housing via Novel Tool-less Net-Shape Pressure Infiltration Casting Technology

Metal matrix composites for propulsion components offer high performance and affordability, resulting in low weight and cost. The following sections in this viewgraph presentation describe the pressure infiltration casting of a metal matrix composite LOX turbopump housing: 1) Baseline Pump Design and Stress Analysis; 2) Tool-less Advanced Pressure Infiltration Casting Process; 3) Preform Splicing and Joining for Large Components such as Pump Housing; 4) Fullscale Pump Housing Redesign.

Shah, Sandeep↗

NASA NTRS1991

Thermo-mechanical response predictions for metal matrix composite laminates

An analytical micromechanical model is employed for prediction of the stress-strain response of metal matrix composite laminates subjected to thermomechanical loading. The predicted behavior of laminates is based upon knowledge of the thermomechanical response of the transversely isotropic, elastic fibers and the elastic-viscoplastic, work-hardening matrix. The method is applied to study the behavior of silicon carbide/titanium metal matrix composite laminates. The response of laminates is compared with that of unidirectional lamina. The results demonstrate the effect of cooling from a stress-free temperature and the mismatch of thermal and mechanical properties of the constituent phases on the laminate's subsequent mechanical response. Typical results are presented for a variety of laminates subjected to monotonic tension, monotonic shear and cyclic tensile/compressive loadings.

Aboudi, J.↗