Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “FRACTURE PROPERTIES”

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 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1989

Effects of postcuring on mechanical properties of pultruded fiber-reinforced epoxy composites and the neat resin

The effects of postcuring on mechanical properties of pultruded fiber-reinforced epoxy-resin composites have been investigated. Composites with carbon, glass, and aramid reinforcement fibers were individually studied. The epoxy was a commercially-available resin that was especially developed for pultrusion fabrication. The pultrusions were conducted at 400 F with postcures at 400, 450, 500, and 550 F. Measurements of the flexural, shear, and interlaminar fracture-toughness properties showed that significant postcuring can occur during the pultrusion process. All three mechanical properties were degraded by the higher (500 and 550 F) temperatures; photomicrographs suggest that the degradation was caused at the fiber-resin interface for all three fiber types.

Long, Edward R., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Development of powder metallurgy 2XXX series Al alloys for high temperature aircraft structural applications

The objective of the present investigation was to improve the strength and fracture toughness combination of P/M 2124 Al alloys in accordance with NASA program goals for damage tolerance and fatigue resistance. Two (2) P/M compositions based on Al-3.70 Cu-1.85 Mg-0.20 Mn with 0.12 and 0.60 wt. pct. Zr were selected for investigation. The rapid solidification rates produced by atomization were observed to prohibit the precipitation of coarse, primary Al3Zr in both alloys. A major portion of the Zr precipitated as finely distributed, coherent Al3Zr phases during vacuum preheating and solution heat treatment. The proper balance between Cu and Mg contents eliminated undissolved, soluble constituents such as Al2CuMg and Al2Cu during atomization. The resultant extruded microstructures produced a unique combination of strength and fracture toughness. An increase in the volume fraction of coherent Al3Zr, unlike incoherent Al20Cu2Mn3 dispersoids, strengthened the P/M Al base alloy either directly by dislocation-precipitate interactions, indirectly by a retardation of recrystallization, or a combination of both mechanisms. Furthermore, coherent Al3Zr does not appear to degrade toughness to the extent that incoherent Al20Cu2Mn3 does. Consequently, the addition of 0.60 wt. pct. Zr to the base alloy, incorporated with a 774K (935 F) solution heat treatment temperature, produces an alloy which exceeds all tensile property and fracture toughness goals for damage tolerant and fatigue resistant applications in the naturally aged condition.

Chellman, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Analyses of Buckling and Stable Tearing in Thin-Sheet Materials

This paper was to verify the STAGS (general shell, geometric and material nonlinear) code and the critical crack tip opening angle (CTOA) fracture criterion for predicting stable tearing in cracked panels that fail with severe out of plane buckling. Materials considered ranged from brittle to ductile behavior. Test data used in this study are reported elsewhere. The STAGS code was used to model stable tearing using a critical CTOA value that was determined from a cracked panel that was 'restrained' from buckling. ne analysis methodology was then used to predict the influence of buckling on stable tearing and failure loads. Parameters like crack length to specimen width ratio, crack configuration, thickness, and material tensile properties had a significant influence on the buckling behavior of cracked thin sheet materials. Experimental and predicted results showed a varied buckling response for different crack length to sheet thickness ratios because different buckling modes were activated. Effects of material tensile properties and fracture toughness on buckling response were presented. The STAGS code and the CTOA fracture criterion were able to predict the influence of buckling on stable tearing behavior and failure loads on a variety of materials and crack configurations.

Seshadri, B. R.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Characterization of GTA weldments in 10Ni-8CO-2Cr-1MO steel

This study of 10Ni-8Co-2Cr-1Mo steel includes evaluations of tensile, impact, hardness, fracture toughness properties, and metallographic features. Base plate and three weldments in one-inch thicknesses were examined to compare as-welded properties with those obtained after reaging, and results of welding the 10%Ni alloy with 9-4-20 wire as opposed to a matching weld wire composition. Critical crack sizes are calculated for the material. The most desirable weld properties are obtained using the matching weld wire and a reaging cycle. However, the improvement gained through reaging is probably not sufficient to justify the additional cost for most practical applications.

Stonesifer, F. R.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Development of low-cost welding procedures for thick sections of HY-150 steel

Low cost welding procedures were developed for welding 6-inch thick HY-150 steel to be used in the manufacture of large diameter motor case Y rings and nozzle attachment flanges. An extensive investigation was made of the mechanical and metallurgical properties and fracture toughness of HY-150 base plate and welds made with manual shielded metal arc process and semi-automatic gas metal arc process in the flat position. Transverse tensiles, all-weld metal tensiles, Charpy V-notch specimens and edge notched bend specimens were tested in the course of the program. In addition metallographic studies and hardness tests were performed on the weld, weld HAZ and base metal. The results of the work performed indicate that both the shielded metal arc and gas metal arc processes are capable of producing consistently sound welds as determined by radiographic and ultrasonic inspection. In addition, the weld metal, deposited by each process was found to exhibit a good combination of strength and toughness such that the selection of a rolled and welded procedure for fabricating rocket motor case components would appear to be technically feasible.

Schmidt, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Correlations between ultrasonic and fracture toughness factors in metallic materials

A heuristic mathematical basis was proposed for the experimental correlations found between ultrasonic propagation factors and fracture toughness factors in metallic materials. A crack extension model was developed wherein spontaneous stress (elastic) waves produced during microcracking are instrumental in promoting the onset of unstable crack extension. Material microstructural factors involved in the process are measurable by ultrasonic probing. Experimental results indicate that ultrasonic attenuation and velocity measurements will produce significant correlations with fracture toughness properties and also yield strength.

Vary, A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Residual stresses in angleplied laminates and their effects on laminate behavior

NASA Lewis Research Center research in the field of composite laminate residual stresses is reviewed and summarized. The origin of lamination residual stresses, evidence of their presence, experimental methods for measuring them, and theoretical methods for predicting them are described. Typical results are presented which show the magnitudes of residual stresses in various laminates including hybrids and superhybrids, and in other complex composite components. Results are also presented which show the effects of lamination residual stresses on laminate warpage and on laminate mechanical properties including fracture stresses. Finally, the major findings and conclusions derived therefrom are summarized.

Chamis, C. C.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Correlations between ultrasonic and fracture toughness factors in metallic materials

A heuristic mathematical basis is proposed for the experimental correlations found between ultrasonic propagation factors and fracture toughness factors in metallic materials. A crack extension model is proposed wherein spontaneous stress (elastic) waves produced during microcracking are instrumental in promoting the onset of unstable crack extension. Material microstructural factors involved in this process are measurable by ultrasonic probing. Experimental results indicate that ultrasonic attenuation and velocity measurements will produce significant correlations with fracture toughness properties and also yield strength.

Vary, A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Tensile properties of SiC/aluminum filamentary composites - Thermal degradation effects

Aluminium metal matrix composites with a low cost fiber, e.g. SiC, provide for an attractive combination of high elastic modulus and longitudinal strengths coupled with a low density. SiC (volume fraction 0.55)-aluminum (6061) systems have been studied in order to optimize fiber composite strength and processing parameters. A comparison of two SiC/aluminum composites produced by AVCO and DWA is provided. Fiber properties are shown to alter composite tensile properties and fracture morphology. The room temperature tensile strengths appear to be insensitive to thermal exposures at 500 C up to 150 h. The elastic modulus of the composites also appears to be stable up to 400 C, however variations in the loss modulus are apparent. The fracture morphology reflects the quality of the interfacial bond, fiber strengths and fiber processing.

Skinner, A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

A study of environmental characterization of conventional and advanced aluminum alloys for selection and design. Phase 2: The breaking load test method

A technique is demonstrated for accelerated stress corrosion testing of high strength aluminum alloys. The method offers better precision and shorter exposure times than traditional pass fail procedures. The approach uses data from tension tests performed on replicate groups of smooth specimens after various lengths of exposure to static stress. The breaking strength measures degradation in the test specimen load carrying ability due to the environmental attack. Analysis of breaking load data by extreme value statistics enables the calculation of survival probabilities and a statistically defined threshold stress applicable to the specific test conditions. A fracture mechanics model is given which quantifies depth of attack in the stress corroded specimen by an effective flaw size calculated from the breaking stress and the material strength and fracture toughness properties. Comparisons are made with experimental results from three tempers of 7075 alloy plate tested by the breaking load method and by traditional tests of statistically loaded smooth tension bars and conventional precracked specimens.

Sprowls, D. O.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Influence of voids on the strength of wrought materials

Three-dimensional voids, which are present in most materials, may be satisfactorily modelled by two-dimensional holes (i.e., cylindrical voids) in sheet metal. In this study, the influence of certain orientations and shapes of voids upon the mechanical properties and fracture behavior of certain ductile materials has been studied. The presence of voids is found to exert a negligible influence on the ultimate tensile strength, owing to plastic flow neutralizing the stress intensification present before yielding occurs. The shape and orientation of the defects, however, are seen to play an important role relative to strain at fracture. The maximum intensified tensile stress criterion which holds for brittle materials is found to apply to ductile materials as well.

Shaw, M. C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

A new readily processable polyimide

As part of an effort to develop tough solvent resistance thermoplastics for potential use as structural resins on aerospace vehicles, a new processable polyimide was evaluated. The synthesis involved the reaction of a new diamine, 1,3-bis 2-(3-aminophenoxy)ethyl ether, with 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride to form the polyamic acid and subsequent conversion of it to the polyimide. Various physical properties such as thermal stability, solvent resistance, glass transition temperature, crystalline melt temperature, melt viscosity and mechanical properties such as fracture toughness, adhesive, film and composite properties are reported. Of particular interest is the extremely high titanium to titanium tensile shear strength obtained for this polyimide.

Harris, F. W.↗
NASA NTRS1987

A new readily processable polyimide

As part of an effort to develop tough solvent resistance thermoplastics for potential use as structural resins on aerospace vehicles, a new processable polyimide was evaluated. The synthesis involved the reaction of a new diamine, 1,3-bis 2-(3-aminophenoxy)ethyl ether, with 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride to form the polyamic acid and subsequent conversion of it to the polyimide. Various physical properties such as thermal stability, solvent resistance, glass transition temperature, crystalline melt temperature, melt viscosity and mechanical properties such as fracture toughness, adhesive, film and composite properties are reported. Of particular interest is the extremely high titanium to titanium tensile shear strength obtained for this polyimide.

Harris, F. W.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Hydrogen embrittlement in nickel-hydrogen cells

It was long known that many strong metals can become weakened and brittle as the result of the accumulation of hydrogen within the metal. When the metal is stretched, it does not show normal ductile properties, but fractures prematurely. This problem can occur as the result of a hydrogen evolution reaction such as corrosion or electroplating, or due to hydrogen in the environment at the metal surface. High strength alloys such as steels are especially susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement. Nickel-hydrogen cells commonly use Inconel 718 alloy for the pressure container, and this also is susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement. Metals differ in their susceptibility to embrittlement. Hydrogen embrittlement in nickel-hydrogen cells is analyzed and the reasons why it may or may not occur are discussed. Although Inconel 718 can display hydrogen embrittlement, experience has not identified any problem with nickel-hydrogen cells. No hydrogen embrittlement problem is expected with the 718 alloy pressure container used in nickel-hydrogen cells.

Gross, Sidney↗
NASA NTRS1991

Investigation of the effect of thermal exposure on the mechanical properties of titanium/SiC composites

The objective was to evaluate the influence of thermal exposure, both isothermal and cyclic, on the reaction kinetics, mechanical properties and fracture behavior of Ti-1100 alloy/SiC fiber composites. Previously, it was determined that composites made with TiB2 coated SiC fiber (sigma) reacted at the same rate as SCS-6 fibers. As a result, the thinner surface coating on the Sigma fiber was completely consumed at shorter times than that on the SCS-6. Thermal cycling experiments were conducted on longitudinal and transverse Ti-1100/SCS-6 composites over a temperature range of 150 to 800 C for 500 cycles. The thermal exposures were carried out in air and argon. No appreciable tensile strength degradation was observed for samples cycled in argon, although a strength loss was noted for the samples cycled in air. Fracture surfaces characterization showed brittle matrix failure in regions near the surface and in regions where there was a path for O2 ingress.

Gundel, Douglas B.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Nial and Nial-Based Composites Directionally Solidified by a Containerless Zone Process

A containerless electromagnetically levitated zone (CELZ) process has been used to directionally solidify NiAl and NiAl-based composites. The CELZ processing results in single crystal NiAl (HP-NiAl) having higher purity than commercially pure NiAl grown by a modified Bridgman process (CP-NiAl). The mechanical properties, specifically fracture toughness and creep strength, of the HP-NiAl are superior to binary CP-NiAl and are used as a base-line for comparison with the composite materials subsequently studied. Two-phase composite materials (NiAl-based eutectic alloys) show improvement in room temperature fracture toughness and 1200 to 1400 K creep strength over that of binary HP-NiAl. Metallic phase reinforcements produce the greatest improvement in fracture toughness, while intermetallic reinforcement produces the largest improvement in high temperature strength. Three-phase eutectic alloys and composite materials were identified and directionally solidified with the intent to combine the improvements observed in the two-phase alloys into one alloy. The room temperature fracture toughness and high temperature strength (in air) serve as the basis for comparison between all of the alloys. Finally, the composite materials are discussed in terms of dominant fracture mechanism observed by fractography.

Joslin, Steven M.↗