Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “IMPACT STRENGTH”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5

Molecular Level Understanding of the Free Energy Landscape in Early Stages of Metal-Organic Framework Nucleation

The assembly mechanism of hierarchical materials controlled by the choice of solvent and presence of spectator ions. In this paper, we use enhanced sampling molecular dynamics methods to investigate these effects on the configurational landscape of metal-linker interactions in the early stages of synthesis, using MIL-101(Cr) as a prototypical example. Microsecond-long well-tempered metadynamics (WTmetaD) uncover a complex free energy structural landscape, with distinct crystal (C) and non-crystal (NC) like configurations and their equilibrium population. In presence of ions (Na+, F-), we observe a complex effect on the crystallinity of secondary building units (SBUs), by encouraging/suppressing salt bridges between C configurations and consequently controlling the percentage of defects. Solvent effects are assessed by introducing N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) instead of water, where SBU adducts are appreciably more stable and compact. These results shed light on how solvent nature and ionic strength impact the free energy of nucleation phenomena that ultimately control materials synthesis and defect formation. The work described in this publication was supported by the US Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences and performed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). The authors acknowledge the use of the UCL Legion High Performance Computing Facility (Legion @ UCL) and associated support services in the completion of this work. This research used resources of the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Centre, a DOE Office of Science User Facility. Battelle operates PNNL for DOE under Contract DE-AC05-76RL01830.

Kollias, Loukas↗

Polyimide Composites from 'Salt-Like' Solution Precursors

Four NASA Langley-developed polyimide matrix resins, LaRC(TM)-IA, LaRC(TM)-IAX, LaRC(TM)-8515 and LaRC(TM)-PETI-5, were produced via a 'saltlike' process developed by Unitika Ltd. The salt-like solutions (65% solids in NMP) were prepregged onto Hexcel IM7 carbon fiber using the NASA LaRC multipurpose tape machine. Process parameters were determined and composite panels fabricated. The temperature dependent volatile depletion rates, the thermal crystallization behavior and the resin rheology were characterized. Composite molding cycles were developed which consistently yielded well consolidated, void-free laminated parts. Composite mechanical properties such as the short beam shear strength; the longitudinal and transverse flexural strength and flexural modulus; the longitudinal compression strength and modulus; and the open hole compression strength and compression after impact strength were measured at room temperature and elevated temperatures. The processing characteristics and the composite mechanical properties of the four intermediate modulus carbon fiber/polyimide matrix composites were compared to existing data on the same polyimide resin systems and IM7 carbon fiber manufactured via poly(amide acid) solutions (30-35% solids in NMP). This work studies the effects of varying the synthetic route on the processing and mechanical properties of the polyimide composites.

Cano, Roberto J.↗

Manufacture of Hybrid Standard-Ply/Thin-Ply Carbon/Epoxy Panels for Notched Test Specimens

Weight is a critical metric for aerospace structures, and one possible way to reduce weight is to improve performance using hybrid standard-ply/thin-ply laminates from a single material system. Previous studies showed benefits for stiffness, strength, reduced damage after impact, and increased compression-after-impact strength for these hybrid laminates. Another study suggested that performance of compression-loaded notched hybrid laminate specimens performed better than standard-ply laminates under compression, but the standard-ply laminates performed better under tension loading. However, analysis predicted the failure load and mode better for the hybrid laminates. An analytical study determined several hybrid laminate designs to use in a follow-on testing regiment that is planned to further study the notched hybrid composite performance under compression and tension load. Described herein is a manufacturing method to efficiently manufacture hybrid laminates using automated fiber placement using a 16-tow head where 8 tows are standard-ply and 8 tows are thin-ply. The method saves time in that it eliminates the need to change spools of material when switching from standard-ply to thin-ply lamina, and reduces the waste associated with changing of spools. The method is ideal for small manufacturing operations or research facilities that have only a single head, and the method was successfully applied at the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) Integrated Structural Assembly of Advanced Composites (ISAAC) facility to manufacture nine panels that will be used for the follow-on notched specimen testing of hybrid and standard laminates.

composite↗

Manufacture of Hybrid Standard-Ply/Thin-Ply Carbon/Epoxy Panels for Notched Test Specimens

Weight is a critical metric for aerospace structures, and one possible way to reduce weight is to improve performance using hybrid standard-ply/thin-ply laminates from a single material system. Previous studies showed benefits for stiffness, strength, reduced damage after impact, and increased compression-after-impact strength for these hybrid laminates. Another study suggested that performance of compression-loaded notched hybrid laminate specimens performed better than standard-ply laminates under compression, but the standard-ply laminates performed better under tension loading. However, analysis predicted the failure load and mode better for the hybrid laminates. An analytical study determined several hybrid laminate designs to use in a follow-on testing regiment that is planned to further study the notched hybrid composite performance under compression and tension load. Described herein is a manufacturing method to efficiently manufacture hybrid laminates using automated fiber placement using a 16-tow head where 8 tows are standard-ply and 8 tows are thin-ply. The method saves time in that it eliminates the need to change spools of material when switching from standard-ply to thin-ply lamina, and reduces the waste associated with changing of spools. The method is ideal for small manufacturing operations or research facilities that have only a single head, and the method was successfully applied at the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) Integrated Structural Assembly of Advanced Composites (ISAAC) facility to manufacture nine panels that will be used for the follow-on notched specimen testing of hybrid and standard laminates.

composite↗

End-Of-Life Textiles as Reinforcements in Biocomposites

A number of attempts have been made to recycle cotton/polyester blend woven fabrics after use; however, most of these fabrics are disposed of in landfills. Major part of these blend fabrics are not recycled due to complexity of the fibre arrangement and cannot be separated economically. This study shows that these discarded woven fabrics could be directly used as reinforcements in composites without fibre separation. Uniform alignment in the woven fabric provided consistent properties to the composites. The fabrics were reinforced by soybean-based-bioresins to produce biocomposites. The composites were analysed for mechanical, thermal, viscoelastic and morphological properties. Porosity and wettability of the composites were also evaluated. Results demonstrate that the tensile strength and modulus of over 100 and 10 MPa, respectively, can be obtained without any fibre treatment. Furthermore, impact strength over 70 kJ/m{sup 2} was obtained without any chemical treatment on fibres. The porosity of the composites produced was less than 9 vol%. Additionally, the fabrics were treated with alkali in order to improve the fibre–matrix interface and the composite properties were studied. From the economical perspective, these composites can be produced at a low cost as the major component is available for free or low cost.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of Alkali Treatment on Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fibre/Polyester Composites

In this study, our aim is to analyze the influence of fibre treatments and different fibre loading on mechanical, physical and chemical properties of pineapple leaf fibre reinforced polyester composites (PALF/PE). Fibre treatments were carried out with 1 N NaOH and KOH for 1 h. The untreated and treated PALF/PE composites were fabricated with 25 wt%, 35 wt% and 45 wt% fibre loadings by compression molding technique. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to understand the effects of chemical treatment on PALF mechanical test results revealed that 45 wt% of PALF/PE composites treated with NaOH showed a 35% increase in tensile strength compared to untreated PALF/PE composites. The tensile modulus and the flexural module are also the highest at 45 wt% of KOH treated composites. The highest impact strength of 70 J/m was obtained for PALF/PE composites with NaOH treated fibres at 25% fibre loading. The results show that the fibre treatments in terms of the flexural and inter-laminar shear strength of composites were not effective. SEM of the tensile fractured specimen of PALF/PE composites revealed the changes in fibre characteristics due to the alkali treatment and less fibre pull-out at higher fibre loading. Overall we conclude that 1 N NaOH, 45 wt% treated PALF/PE composites satisfactorily and effectively improved both the mechanical and morphological properties. Obtained composites would be promising for construction materials, furniture and automotive components due to their superior strength and modulus at higher fibre loading.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A mechanical property and stress corrosion evaluation of Custom 455 stainless steel alloy

The mechanical and stress corrosion properties are presented of vacuum melted Custom 455 stainless steel alloy bar (1.0-inch diameter) and sheet (0.083-inch thick) material aged at 950 F, 1000 F, and 1050 F. Low temperature mechanical properties were determined at temperatures of 80 F, 0 F, -100 F, and -200 F. For all three aging treatments, the ultimate tensile and 0.2 percent offset yield strengths increased with decreasing test temperatures while the elongation held fairly constant down to -100 F and decreased at -200 F. Reduction in Area decreased moderately with decreasing temperature for the longitudinal round (0.250-inch diameter) specimens. Notched tensile strength and charpy V-notched impact strength decreased with decreasing test temperature. For all three aging treatments, no failures were observed in the unstressed specimens or the specimens stressed to 50, 75, and 100 percent of their yield strengths for 180 days of alternate immersion testing in a 3.5 percent NaCl solution. As indicated by the results of tensile tests performed after alternate immersion testing, the mechanical properties of Custom 455 alloy were not affected by stress or exposure under the conditions of the evaluation.

Montano, J. W.↗

A study of the damage tolerance enhancement of carbon/epoxy laminates by utilizing an outer lamina of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene

The damage tolerance of carbon/epoxy was examined when an outer layer of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (Spectra) material was utilized on the specimen. Four types of 16 ply quasi-isotropic panels, (0,+45,90,-45)s2 were tested. The first contained no Spectra, while the others had one lamina of Spectra placed on either the top (impacted side), bottom or both surfaces of the composite plate. A range of impact energies up to approximately 8.5 Joules (6.3 ft-lbs) was used to inflict damage upon these specimens. Glass/Phenolic honeycomb beams with a core density of 314 N/m3 (2.0 lb/ft3) and 8 ply quasi-isotropic facesheets were also tested for compression-after-impact strength with and without Spectra at impact energies of 1,2,3 and 4 Joules (.74, 1.47, 2.21 and 2.95 ft-lbs). It was observed that the composite plates had little change in damage tolerance due to the Spectra, while the honeycomb panels demonstrated a slight increase in damage tolerance when Spectra was added, the damage tolerance level being more improved at higher impact energies.

Nettles, Alan T.↗

Comparison of the Effect of Plasticizers on PHBV—and Organoclay—Based Biodegradable Polymer Nanocomposites

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of different plasticizers on the morphology, crystallization, and mechanical properties of poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)/organomodified montmorillonite (OMt) nanocomposites. We investigated three different plasticizers: dioctyl phthalate (DOP), a commonly used additive in the polymer industry, and two natural and biodegradable plasticizers: epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and triethyl citrate (TEC). The nanocomposites with 3 wt% OMt were obtained by melt processing in an internal mixer. The plasticizers were used alone or in combination with clay in a concentration of 10 wt%. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy results revealed a partially intercalated structure. The degree of crystallinity was higher for all of the samples compared to neat PHBV, although the melting temperature decreased with the use of plasticizers combined with OMt. The impact strength results were dependent on the interaction between the components of the system. Triethyl citrate was the most effective plasticizer due to its more pronounced interaction with the PHBV matrix, which yielded improvements in processing conditions and PHBV’s flexibility and impact properties.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Bona fide upcycling strategy of anhydride cured epoxy and reutilization of decomposed dual monomers into multipurpose applications

Waste epoxy materials become an enormous problem to society and the environment. The advantages of epoxy resins derive from their rigid and chemically stable networks, but these qualities also make them difficult to dispose of or recycle. In this work, we demonstrated an efficient degradation of anhydride cured epoxy resin by aminolysis in aminoethanol without using any catalysts. The epoxy resin was fully decomposed at 160 °C in 4 h, resulting in two distinct high purity monomers (HHPA-OH and BPA-OH). To fully realize this upcycling approach, The BPA-OH was used to synthesize a polyurethane coating with an excellent glass transition temperature (88.9 °C), scratch hardness (8H), gouge hardness (6H), adhesive strength (5B), and strong solvent resistance. The HHPA-OH with two hydroxyl groups was reacted with methacrylic anhydride to form a dimethacrylate monomer which was then used as a viable crosslinker for photo-curable 3D printing thermosetting polymer with tensile strength as high as 64 MPa and impact strength of 4.86 kJ/m 2 . This work demonstrates a feasible pathway to convert anhydride cured epoxy waste to new monomeric recyclates for superior polymer products.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Preparation of cast aluminum alloy-mica particle composites

A method for making aluminum-mica particle composites is presented in which mica particles are stirred in molten aluminum alloys followed by casting in permanent molds. Magnesium is added either as an alloying element or in the form of pieces to the surface of the alloy melts to disperse up to 3 wt% mica powders in the melts and to obtain high recoveries of mica in the castings. The mechanical properties of the aluminum alloy-mica composite decrease with increasing mica content; however, even at 2.2% it has a tensile strength of 14.22 kg/sq mm with 1.1% elongation, a compression strength of 42.61 kg/sq mm, and an impact strength of 0.30 kgm/sq cm. Cryogenic and self-lubricating bearing are mentioned applications.

Deonath, MR.↗

Investigation on the Influence of EVA Content on the Mechanical and Thermal Characteristics of Poly(lactic acid) Blends

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has gained considerable attention nowadays as a biocompatible polymer owing to its advantage of being prepared from renewable resources. PLA exhibits excellent tensile strength, fabricability, thermal plasticity and biocompatibility properties comparable to many petroleum based plastics. However, low heat distortion temperature, brittleness and slow crystallization rate limit the practical applications of PLA. In order to address these limitations, an attempt has been made in the current work to prepare binary blends of PLA with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) at different compositions via melt mixing technique. Systematic investigation on the mechanical properties, thermal degradation and crystallization behavior for PLA-EVA blends was carried out. The impact strength of binary blends of PLA–EVA was found to increase significantly by 176% for 15 wt% of EVA compared to virgin PLA. This is due to the strong interfacial adhesion among PLA and EVA resulting in brittle to ductile transition. Scanning electron microscopy analysis for impact fractured surfaces of binary blends of PLA implied the toughening effect of PLA by EVA. Thermogravimetry analysis results revealed that the activation energy of PLA–EVA blends decreased with increase in EVA content in the PLA matrix. While, differential scanning calorimetry results obtained for PLA–EVA blends revealed the improvement in crystallinity when compared with neat PLA. The effect of EVA on non-isothermal melt crystallization kinetics of PLA was also examined via DSC at various heating rates. Decreasing trend in the t{sub 1/2} values indicated the faster rate of crystallization mechanism after addition of EVA in the PLA matrix.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Glass-filled polyurethane materials produced by fiber composite spraying

By using polymer composites in auto parts, the vehicle mass may be considerably reduced, with improvement in the dynamic properties and load capacity of the vehicle and also in its fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions. In the present work, recommendations are made for improving the performance of glassfilled polyurethane materials produced by fiber composite spraying. To that end, the thermal stability, impact strength, high-temperature strength, and Shore D hardness are determined in accordance with Technical Specifications TU 2292-010-14682925–2014. The sound absorption and UV resistance of the composites are also determined.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Impact of Cryogenic Treatment on Mechanical Behavior and Microstructure of Ti-6Al-4V ELI Biomaterial

Ti-6Al-4V with its ELI variant is a potential biomaterial for structural implants. However, its poor resistance to plastic shearing results in poor tribological properties that hinders its widespread use in biomedical implants. Cryogenic treatment being an established technique for improving wear resistance and other mechanical properties of ferrous materials is applied on Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy. To ensure comprehensive investigations, the widely studied microstructures of Ti-6Al-4V ELI, i.e., lamellar, martensite, two variants of bimodal and mill annealed are considered in this work. Deep cryogenic treatment at the soaking temperature (− 196 °C) for 24 h soaking time followed by tempering has been applied. The impact of cryogenic treatment has been assessed in terms of changes in the mechanical behavior including wear resistance, hardness, tensile properties and impact strength. The alterations in mechanical behavior due to cryogenic treatment are correlated with microstructure evolution. Cryogenic treatment has caused significant improvement in mechanical behavior of Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The influence of lay-up and thickness on composite impact damage and compression strength

The effects of composite stacking sequence, thickness, and percentage of zero-degree plies on the size, shape, and distribution of delamination through the laminate thickness and on residual compression strength following impact were studied. Graphite/epoxy laminates were impacted with an 0.5 inch diameter aluminum sphere at a specific low or high velocity. Impact damage was measured nondestructively by ultrasonic C-scans and X-radiography and destructively by the deply technique, and compression strength tests were performed. It was found that differences in compression failure strain due to stacking sequence were small, while laminates with very low percentages of zero-degree plies had similar failure loads but higher failure strains than laminates with higher percentages of zero-degree plies. Failure strain did not correlate with planar impact damage area, and delaminations in impact regions were associated with matrix cracking.

Guynn, E. G.↗

Copolymer P(BS-co-LA) Enhanced Compatibility of PBS/PLA Composite

The copolymer P(BS-co-LA) with various block chains are synthesized and employed as the interface linker in poly(butyl succinate) (PBS)/polylactic acid (PLA) blends to enhance the compatibility of PBS and PLA. The crystallization and rheological properties are determined by various methods, as well as the mechanical properties. The results indicate that the addition of P(BS-co-LA) decreases the crystallization temperature and degree of crystallinity in the PBS/PLA composite. The P(BS-co-LA) with a long-block chain remarkably enhances the compatibility of PBS/PLA composites than short block chains, and the PBS/PLA/P(BS-hb-LA) composites show great elongation at break and impact strength. Besides, the crystallinity and the rate of crystallization are increased, which are also observed by the X-ray diffraction. All approaches lead to the same result that P(BS-co-LA) with the long block chain is an excellent compatibility agent to enhance mechanical properties of the PBS/PLA composites.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Bioalumina Nano Powder Extraction and its Applications for Sisal, Coir and Banana Hybrid Fiber Composites: Mechanical and Thermal Properties

In the present environmental conditions bio usages has a vital importance in the society due to global warming and other environmental threats. In this work, alumina nano powder synthesized from ‘Neem’ leaf’ is used in sisal, coir and banana fiber composites for the betterment of mechanical and thermal applications. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) contemplated biosynthesized alumina nano powder (BSANP-C) has better thermal stability than other nano powders. The mechanical results verified the enhancement of tensile, flexural and impact strength for hybrid banana coir (HBC), hybrid sisal coir (HSC) and hybrid sisal banana (HSB) composites up to 3% BSANP-C addition. Hybrid combination at 5% nano substitution tends to decrease the mechanical properties of hybrid composites due to agglomeration of BSANP-C making uneven mixing of filler in the matrix. The addition of BSANP-C wt% up to 3 in HBC, HSC and HSB ascertain residual % improvement from 18.72 to 23.41%, 21.90 to 25.75% and 22.69 to 26.33%. BSANP-C addition at 5% decreased the degradation temperature, char residual % and endothermic peak due to agglomeration. SEM test was taken for morphological study of fractured surface of the hybrid composites.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗