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At least 73 records · Page 4

Micromechanical Modeling of High-Strain Thin-Ply Composites

This paper presents a micromechanical analysis for the elastic and viscoelastic behavior of high-strain thin-ply composites. The modeling approach is based on unit cell homogenization. The geometry of the internal weave architecture and ply configuration is characterized via micrographic analysis and explicitly modeled in the unit cell. The composites are modeled as Kirchhoff plates and the homogenization analysis computes the effective relaxation ABD matrix represented by Prony series using the elastic and viscoelastic properties of the constituent fiber and matrix. The formulation of the micromechanical model and numerical implementation d. Composite laminates with 3-ply and 4-ply configurations are studied.

Hamillage, Milinda Yapa↗

Viscoelastic Characterization of Polymers for Deployable Composite Booms

Deployable space structures have been built from thin-walled fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials due to their high specific strength, high specific stiffness, and bistability. However, the inherent viscoelastic behavior of the resin matrix can cause dimensional instability when parts are stored under strain. The extended time of stowage between assembly and deployment in space can result in performance degradation and in the worst case, mission failure. In this study, the viscoelastic properties of candidate commercial polymers for deployable boom structures of solar sails were evaluated. Stress relaxation master curves of the candidate polymers were used to predict the relaxation that would occur in 1 year at room temperature under relatively low strains of ~0.1%. A bismaleimide (BMI) showed less stress relaxation (about 20%) than the baseline Novolac epoxy (about 50%). Carbon fiber composites fabricated with the BMI resin showed a 44% improvement in relaxation compared to the baseline epoxy composite. Other difunctional and tetrafunctional epoxies, thermoplastic, and thermosetting polyimides were also evaluated.

Kang, Jin Ho↗

Viscoelastic and Mechanical Properties of Thermoset PMR-type Polyimide-Clay Nanocomposites

High temperature thermoset polyimide-clay nanocomposites were prepared by blending 2.5 and 5 wt% of an unmodified Na(+-) montmorillonite (PGV) and two organically modified FGV (PGVCl0COOH, PGVC12) with a methanol solution of PMR-15 precursor. The methanol facilitated the dispersal of the unmodified clay. Dynamic mechanical analysis results showed a significant increase in the thermomechanical properties (E' and E") of 2.5 wt% clay loaded nanocomposites in comparison with the neat polyimide. Higher glass transition temperatures were observed for 2.5 wt% nanocomposites compared to the neat polyimide. Flexural properties measurements for the 2.5 wt% nanocomposites showed a significant improvement in the modulus and strength, with no loss in elongation. This trend was not observed for the 5 wt% nanocomposites. An improvement in the CTE was observed for the PGV/PMR-15 nanocomposites, while a decrease was observed for the organically modified samples. This was attributed to potential variations in the interface caused by modifier degradation.

Abdalla, Mohamed O.↗

Composite propellant technology research: Mechanical property characterization

Proof for the existence of a single Poisson's ratio function in isotropic linear viscoelastic materials is presented. An in-depth discussion is given of three dimensional viscoelastic material properties and their relationships to linear isotropic and orthotropic viscoelastic materials. A discussion of the alternate invariant definition as used by Abaqus and how it relates to the form used by Dr. S. Peng is presented.

Bower, Mark V.↗

Force-Strain Characteristics and Rupture-Load Capability of Viking-Type Suspension-Line Material Under Dynamic Loading Conditions

A series of tests has been conducted to investigate the elastic behavior of Viking-type suspension-line material under dynamic loading conditions. Results indicate that there is a decrease in both rupture-load capability and elongation at rupture as the test strain rate is increased. Preliminary examination of force-strain characteristics indicates that, on the average, the material exhibits some type of viscous effect which results in a greater force being produced, for a particular value of strain, under dynamic loading conditions than that produced under quasi-static loading conditions. A great deal of uncertainty exists in defining a priori the tensile properties of viscoelastic materials, such as nylon or dacron, under dynamic loading conditions. Additional uncertainty enters the picture when woven configurations such as suspension,line material are considered. To eliminate these uncertainties, with respect to the Viking parachute configuration, a test program has been conducted to obtain data on the tensile properties of Viking-type suspension-line material over a wide range of strain rates. Based on preliminary examination of these data, the following conclusions can be drawn: 1. Material rupture-load capability decreases as strain-rate is increased. At strain rates above 75 percent/sec, no rupture loads were observed which would meet the minimum tensile strength specification of 880 pounds. 2. The material, on the average, exhibits some type of viscous effect which, for a particular value of strain, produces a greater load under dynamic loading conditions than that produced under quasi-static loading conditions.

Poole, Lamont R.↗

Characterization of metal-polymer boundaries using Stoneley and Leaky waves

Optical and acoustooptical techniques for bonded surface inspection and interface wave detection are discussed. Interface wave propagation models based on viscous, elastic, and viscoelastic mechanical properties are reviewed. Gross boundary anomalies such as large defects and localized disbond regions were measured using conventional high frequency pulse echo and pitch catch ultratechniques. Bond durabilty is estimated by comparing detected wave attenuation versus frequency as a function of prebond surface preparation with the experimental limit obtained for perfect welded contact. Sensitivity of interface acoustic field periodicity to both residual and dc applied stress at the boundary surface is observed as well as hysteresis due to viscoelastic polymeric behavior as the applied stress is cycled.

Claus, R. O.↗

Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Solar Array Damper

This paper describes the design of a solar array damper that will be built into each of two new solar arrays to be installed on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) during Servicing Mission 3. On this mission, currently scheduled for August, 2000, two "rigid" solar array wings will replace the "flexible" wings currently providing power for HST. Dynamic interaction of these wings with the telescope spacecraft can affect the Pointing Control System. The damper, which is integral to the mast of the solar array, suppresses the fundamental bending modes of the deployed wings at 1.2 Hz (in-plane) and 1.6 Hz (out-of-plane). With the flight version of the damper, modal damping of 2.3% of critical is expected over the temperature range of -4 C to 23 C with a peak damping level of 3.9%. The unique damper design is a combination of a titanium spring and viscoelastic-shear-lap dashpot. The damper was designed using a system finite element model of the solar array wing and measured viscoelastic material properties. Direct complex stiffness (DCS) testing was performed to characterize the frequency- and temperature-dependent behavior of the damping prior to fixed-base modal testing of the wing at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA/GSFC).

Maly, J. R.↗

Postseismic viscoelastic surface deformation and stress. Part 1: Theoretical considerations, displacement and strain calculations

A model of viscoelastic deformations associated with earthquakes is presented. A strike-slip fault is represented by a rectangular dislocation in a viscoelastic layer (lithosphere) lying over a viscoelastic half-space (asthenosphere). Deformations occur on three time scales. The initial response is governed by the instantaneous elastic properties of the earth. A slower response is associated with viscoelastic relaxation of the lithosphere and a yet slower response is due to viscoelastic relaxation of the asthenosphere. The major conceptual contribution is the inclusion of lithospheric viscoelastic properties into a dislocation model of earthquake related deformations and stresses. Numerical calculations using typical fault parameters reveal that the postseismic displacements and strains are small compared to the coseismic ones near the fault, but become significant further away. Moreover, the directional sense of the deformations attributable to the elastic response, the lithospheric viscoelastic softening, and the asthenospheric viscoelastic flow may differ and depend on location and model details. The results and theoretical arguments suggest that the stress changes accompanying lithospheric relaxation may also be in a different sense than and be larger than the strain changes.

Cohen, S. C.↗

The viscoelastic characterization of polymer materials exposed to the low-Earth orbit environment

Recent accomplishments in our research efforts have included the successful measurement of the thermal mechanical properties of polymer materials exposed to the low-earth orbit environment. In particular, viscoelastic properties were recorded using the Rheometrics Solids Analyzer (RSA 2). Dynamic moduli (E', the storage component of the elastic modulus, and E'', the loss component of the elastic modulus) were recorded over three decades of frequency (0.1 to 100 rad/sec) for temperatures ranging from -150 to 150 C. Although this temperature range extends beyond the typical use range of the materials, measurements in this region are necessary in the development of complete viscoelastic constitutive models. The experimental results were used to provide the stress relaxation and creep compliance performance characteristics through viscoelastic correspondence principles. Our results quantify the differences between exposed and control polymer specimens. The characterization is specifically designed to elucidate a constitutive model that accurately predicts the change in behavior of these materials due to exposure. The constitutive model for viscoelastic behavior reflects the level of strain, the rate of strain, and the history of strain as well as the thermal history of the material.

Strganac, Thomas↗

Theory of fiber reinforced materials

A unified and rational treatment of the theory of fiber reinforced composite materials is presented. Fundamental geometric and elasticity considerations are throughly covered, and detailed derivations of the effective elastic moduli for these materials are presented. Biaxially reinforced materials which take the form of laminates are then discussed. Based on the fundamentals presented in the first portion of this volume, the theory of fiber-reinforced composite materials is extended to include viscoelastic and thermoelastic properties. Thermal and electrical conduction, electrostatics and magnetostatics behavior of these materials are discussed. Finally, a brief statement of the very difficult subject of physical strength is included.

Hashin, Z.↗

Strains and tilts on crustal blocks

Geodetic work done over the past century is examined to investigate block motion in areas of intense tectonic deformation, with special attention to geodetic releveling data obtained for Japan. Problems in interpreting strainmeter and tiltmeter to study the behavior of crustal blocks and block boundaries are discussed. Block dimensions of 5 to 50 km seem to occur frequently in regions of intense tectonic activity. Block boundaries are often considerably weaker than contiguous crustal blocks, resulting in a concentration of strains at boundaries and decrease of strains within blocks. Block to block variations in tilt phase and magnitude are observed. There is some evidence that block boundaries may exhibit strain-dependent elastic properties or respond viscoelastically, possibly accounting for the slow transmission of tectonic deformation reported in Japan. If nonlinear behavior is characteristic of regions fragmented by crustal blocks, it will generally not be possible to apply a site correction factor based on the observed distortion of tidal or seismic strains in interpreting secular strains.

Bilham, R. G.↗

Ultrasonic wave propagation loss factor in composite in terms of constituent properties

A model is developed to relate the energy loss factors of ultrasonic longitudinal waves propagating in the principal directions of a unidirectional graphite fiber composite to the composite constituent properties. All the constituents are assumed to behave as linear viscoelastic materials with energy dissipation properties defined by loss factors. It is found that by introducing a new constituent called the interface material, the composite and constituent properties can be brought into consistency with simple series and parallel models. An expression relating the composite loss factors to the loss factors of the constituents is derived and its coefficients are evaluated.

Williams, J. H., Jr.↗

Viscoelastic characterization of thin-film polymers exposed to low Earth orbit

The materials made available through the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) satellite provide a set of specimens that can be well characterized and have a known exposure history with reference to atomic oxygen and ultraviolet radiation exposure. Mechanical characteristics measured from control samples and exposed samples provide a data base for predicting the behavior of polymers in low earth orbit. Samples of 1.0 mil thick low density polyethylene were exposed to the low earth orbit environment for a period of six years. These materials were not directly exposed to ram atomic oxygen and offer a unique opportunity for measuring the effect of atomic oxygen and UV radiation on mechanical properties with little concern to the effect of erosion. The viscoelastic characteristics of these materials were measured and compared to the viscoelastic characteristics of control samples. To aid in differentiating the effects of changes in crystallinity resulting from thermal cycling, from the effects of changes in chemical structure resulting from atomic oxygen/UV attack to the polymer, a second set of control specimens, annealed to increase crystallinity, were measured as well. The resulting characterization of these materials will offer insight into the impact of atomic oxygen/UV on the mechanical properties of polymeric materials. The viscoelastic properties measured for the control, annealed, and exposed specimens were the storage and loss modulus as a function of frequency and temperature. From these datum is calculated the viscoelastic master curve derived using the principle of time/temperature superposition. Using the master curve, the relaxation modulus is calculated using the method of Ninomiya and Ferry. The viscoelastic master curve and the stress relaxation modulus provide a direct measure of the changes in the chemical or morphological structure. In addition, the effect of these changes on long-term and short-term mechanical properties is known directly. It should be noted that the dependence on directionality for the polymer films was considered since these films were manufactured by a blown-film process.

Letton, Alan↗