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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.

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At least 109 records · Page 6

Experimental Evaluation of Axial Crush Behavior of Woven Tubular Laminates with a Moving Support Condition

The objectives of the investigation were to measure the specific energy absorption (SEA) of the plain-weave carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) tubes, study the effect of tube length on SEA and stable crushing force, analyze the effect of using a crush trigger, and compare force-displacement data using different specimen support conditions. Dynamic crush testing of CFRP tubes was performed using the crash sled in the Impact Dynamics Laboratory at NASA Glenn Research Center.

Rudy T. Haluza↗

Comparison of Hard Surface and Soft Soil Impact Performance of a Crashworthy Composite Fuselage Concept

A comparison of the soft soil and hard surface impact performance of a crashworthy composite fuselage concept has been performed. Specifically, comparisons of the peak acceleration values, pulse duration, and onset rate at specific locations on the fuselage were evaluated. In a prior research program, the composite fuselage section was impacted at 25 feet per second onto concrete at the Impact Dynamics Research Facility (IDRF) at NASA Langley Research Center. A soft soil test was conducted at the same impact velocity as a part of the NRTC/RITA Crashworthy and Energy Absorbing Structures project. In addition to comparisons of soft soil and hard surface test results, an MSC. Dytran dynamic finite element model was developed to evaluate the test analysis correlation. In addition, modeling parameters and techniques affecting test analysis correlation are discussed. Once correlated, the analytical methodology will be used in follow-on work to evaluate the specific energy absorption of various subfloor concepts for improved crash protection during hard surface and soft soil impacts.

Sareen, Ashish K.↗

On collisional disruption - Experimental results and scaling laws

Both homogeneous and inhomogeneous targets have been addressed by the present experimental consideration of the impact strengths, fragment sizes, and fragment velocities generated by cement mortar targets whose crushing strengths vary by an order of magnitude, upon impact of projectiles in the velocity range of 50-5700 m/sec. When combined with additional published data, dynamic impact strength is found to correlate with quasi-static material strengths for materials ranging in character from basalt to ice; two materials not following this trend, however, are weak mortar and clay targets. Values consistent with experimental results are obtainable with a simple scaling algorithm based on impact energy, material properties, and collisional strain rate.

Davis, Donald R.↗

Modeling Dynamic Crush Behavior of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Structures Using MAT213

Modeling crushing of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites is challenging, and current simulation methodologies involve tuning of non-physical parameters. MAT213, a next-generation material model, has advanced functionality to better simulate dynamic impact loading. The objective of the present investigation is to evaluate the potential for using MAT213 to simulate dynamic crushing of CFRPs. Two sets of simulations were performed: one for calibration based on a set of coupon-level experiments and another for prediction of the response of structural elements. Simulations involving dynamic crushing of flat specimens were iteratively run to calibrate model parameters. The calibration demonstrated that MAT213 could produce a simulated force-displacement response within experimental scatter. The simulated failure morphology was also comparable to the experiments. After successful calibration, predictive simulations of dynamic crushing of C-channel shaped specimens were completed using a simulated crash sled test rig and two pairs of impactor mass/velocity conditions. The simulated force-displacement curve in the crash sled simulations for the lower-velocity condition fell within the experimental scatter, but the stable crush force was underpredicted by 27% in the higher-velocity simulations. Better correlation in the lower-velocity test condition likely results from the calibration condition being a similar velocity to the lower-velocity crash sled condition.

Dynamic Crush↗

Impact Testing of a Stirling Converter's Linear Alternator

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in conjunction with the NASA John H. Glenn Research Center and Stirling Technology Company, are currently developing a Stirling convertor for a Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG). NASA Headquarters and DOE have identified the SRG for potential use as an advanced spacecraft power system for future NASA deep-space and Mars surface missions. Low-level dynamic impact tests were conducted at NASA Glenn Research Center's Structural Dynamics Laboratory as part of the development of this technology. The purpose of this test was to identify dynamic structural characteristics of the Stirling Technology Demonstration Convertor (TDC). This paper addresses the test setup, procedure, and results of the impact testing conducted on the Stirling TDC in May 2001.

Suarez, Vicente J.↗

Updraft Dynamics and Microphysics: On the Added Value of The Cumulus Thermal Reference Frame in Simulations of Aerosol–Deep Convection Interactions

One fundamental question about atmospheric moist convection processes that remains debated is whether, or under which conditions, a relevant variability in background aerosol concentrations may have a significant dynamical impact on convective clouds and their associated precipitation. Furthermore, current climate models must parameterize both the microphysical and the cumulus convection processes, but this is usually implemented separately, whereas in nature there is a strong coupling between them. As a first step to improve our understanding of these two problems, we investigate how aerosol concentrations modify key properties of updrafts in eight large-eddy-permitting regional simulations of a case study of scattered convection over Houston, Texas, in which convection is explicitly simulated and microphysical processes are parameterized. Dynamical and liquid-phase microphysical responses are investigated using the following two different reference frames: static cloudy updraft grid cells versus tracked cumulus thermals. In both frameworks, we observe the expected microphysical responses to higher aerosol concentrations, such as higher cloud number concentrations and lower rain number concentrations. In terms of the dynamical responses, both frameworks indicate weak impacts of varying aerosol concentrations relative to the noise between simulations over the observationally derived range of aerosol variability for this case study. On the other hand, results suggest that thermals are more selective than cloudy updraft grid cells in terms of sampling the most active convective air masses. For instance, vertical velocity from thermals is significantly higher at upper levels than when sampled from cloudy updraft grid points, and several microphysical variables have higher average values in the cumulus thermal framework than in the cloudy updraft framework. In addition, the thermal analysis is seen to add rich quantitative information about the rates and covariability of microphysical processes spatially and throughout tracked thermal lifecycles, which can serve as a stronger foundation for improving subgrid-scale parameterizations.

aerosols↗

Updraft Dynamics and Microphysics: On the Added Value of the Cumulus Thermal Reference Frame in Simulations of Aerosol–Deep Convection Interactions

One fundamental question about atmospheric moist convection processes that remains debated is whether or under what conditions a relevant variability in background aerosol concentrations may have a significant dynamical impact on convective clouds and their associated precipitation. Furthermore, current climate models must parameterize both the microphysical and the cumulus convection processes, but this is usually implemented separately, whereas in nature there is a strong coupling between them. As a first step to improve our understanding of these two problems, we investigate how aerosol concentrations modify key properties of updrafts in eight large-eddy permitting regional simulations of a case study of scattered convection over Houston, Texas, in which convection is explicitly simulated and microphysical processes are parameterized. Dynamical and liquid-phase microphysical responses are investigated using two different reference frames: static cloudy-updraft grid cells versus tracked cumulus thermals. In both frameworks we observe the expected microphysical responses to higher aerosol concentrations, such as higher cloud number concentrations and lower rain number concentrations. In terms of the dynamical responses, both frameworks indicate weak impacts of varying aerosol concentrations relative to the noise between simulations over the observationally derived range of aerosol variability for this case study. On the other hand, results suggest that thermals are more selective than cloudy-updraft grid cells in terms of sampling the most active convective air masses. For instance, vertical velocity from thermals is significantly higher at upper levels than when sampled from cloudy-updraft grid points, and several microphysical variables have higher average values in the cumulus thermal framework than in the cloudy-updraft framework. In addition, the thermal analysis is seen to add rich quantitative information about the rates and covariability of microphysical processes spatially and throughout tracked thermal lifecycles, which can serve as a stronger foundation for improving subgrid-scale parameterizations.

Daniel Hernandez-Deckers↗

Delaminations in composite plates under transverse static or impact loads - A model

A method is presented for calculating the locations, shapes, and sizes of delaminations which occur in a fiber reinforced composite plate subjected to transverse static or dynamic (impact) loads. The plate may be simply supported, clamped, or free along its edges. A model of the delamination formation was developed. This model was then coupled with a finite element analysis. The model and the finite element analysis were implemented by a computer code which can be used to estimate the load at which damage is initiated as well as the locations, shapes, and sizes of the delaminations.

Finn, Scott R.↗

Structures and Dynamics Division: Research and technology plans for FY 1983 and accomplishments for FY 1982

The objectives, expected results, approach, and milestones for research projects of the IPAD Project Office and the impact dynamics, structural mechanics, and structural dynamics branches of the Structures and Dynamics Division are presented. Research facilities are described. Topics covered include computer aided design; general aviation/transport crash dynamics; aircraft ground performance; composite structures; failure analysis, space vehicle dynamics; and large space structures.

Bales, K. S.↗

Scaling of impact damage in fiber composites

Impact damage in fiber composite structures remains of much concern, and is often the limiting factor in establishing allowable strain levels. The complexity of impact damage formation usually dictates that experiments are required, but scaling of results from small laboratory scale specimens to large structures introduces additional uncertainty into the analysis. This presentation gives the results of an analytical and experimental investigation intended to develop procedures for prediction of damage formation and subsequent strength loss, with particular emphasis on scaling of results with respect to structure size. The experimental investigation involved both drop-weight and airgun impact on carbon/epoxy plates and cylinders. Five sizes of plates ranging from 50 by 50 by 1.072 mm to 250 by 250 by 5.36 mm, and two sizes of cylinders with diameters of 96.5 and 319 mm, were employed in the experimental program. Impact tests were carried out over a range of impact conditions, and specimens were inspected for damage by C-scan and deplying. Analysis procedures were developed for both quasistatic and dynamic impacts for both the plates and cylinders. As has been reported previously, comparison of predicted structural response and measured surface strains was quite good over the entire range of sizes employed in the program. The damage formation and strength loss after impact showed a number of interesting features that are significant with respect to scaling of size. The extent of delamination was observed to increase with specimen size more than would be expected if stresses controlled the delamination extent. This was explained on the basis that delamination is controlled by energy release rates, and thus incorporates the usual dependence on the absolute size characteristic of fracture mechanics. Additionally, the experiments indicated that delamination initiated at matrix cracks and is dependent on the absolute size of the ply group thicknesses. Both the initiation and propagation of delamination are seen to be controlled by fracture mechanics parameters, and thus show specific dependence on size that must be accounted for in extrapolating results from laboratory scale tests to full size structures.

Swanson, Stephen R.↗

Impact Response of Thermoplastic Composites – Experiments and Modeling

This study investigates the impact response of thermoplastic composite materials. The material system under consideration is a carbon fiber reinforced low melt semi-crystalline resin TC1225 LMPAEK reinforced with T700G (T700/LMPAEK ). Several High Energy Dynamic Impact (HEDI) tests were performed wherein an aluminum projectile impacted T700/LMPAEK panels at different velocities. In the impact experiment studied herein, the projectile impacted the T700/LMAPEK panel at 73.2 m/s and rebounded. The ensuing damage to the T700/LMPAEK panel was characterized via ultrasonic C-scans, visualizing damage modes including matrix cracking and delaminations. Since the projectile rebounded, the fiber breakage damage mode was not evident. The impact event was modeled using a combined continuum damage mechanics and cohesive zone analysis approach with the commercially available hydrocode LS-DYNA®. The dynamic deformation and damage of the continuum, i.e., the plies in the T700/LMPAEK laminate, was modeled using a Deformation Gradient Decomposition (DGD) material model, i.e., MAT299 available within LS-DYNA. The interlaminar regions were treated as zero-thickness cohesive zones, wherein the dynamic delamination mechanics was modeled using a traction-separation formulation. Mixed-mode delamination growth was captured using the Benzegaggh-Kenane (B-K) traction-separation interpolation law. Strain-rate sensitivity of interlaminar fracture toughness was included using approximations based on published literature. The outcomes of the modeling effort are discussed herein which demonstrate good correlations with test data regarding panel deflection, panel-projectile interactions, damage modes and damage extent.

Impact modeling↗

Modern fluid dynamics of supersonic and hypersonic flight

Many aspects of fluid dynamics impacting supersonic and hypersonic flight are examined. Progress, current problem areas, and prognostications for the future are discussed, with special emphasis on those fluid dynamics facets which can be more directly tied to a potential end-product vehicle. Numerous illustrative examples are included.

Trimpi, R. L.↗

Low velocity transverse impact behavior of 8-ply, graphite-epoxy laminates

This work discusses the behavior of eight-ply, quasi-isotropic, graphite epoxy laminates subjected to low velocity transverse impact loading. Large deflection theory of plates was used to predict the load-deflection characteristics during the impact event. The impact model considered that the indentation, flexural and shear stiffnesses could be represented by three-equivalent springs in series. The analysis of static and dynamic impact loading test-data concluded that the membrane parameter, beta, used in flexural stiffness relation was proportional to the square of the coefficient of restitution, e, of the impactor. Use of beta=0.443 e-squared was made in load-deflection relations to consider the drop in plate stiffness due to delamination. The results of impact tests up to impact velocity 5.3 m/sec. were found in close agreement with the predictions.

Lal, K. M.↗

Planetary and Primitive Object Strength Measurement and Sampling Apparatus

Support is requested for continuation of a program of dynamic impact (harpoon) coring of planetary, comet, or asteroid surface materials. We have previously demonstrated that good quality cores are obtainable for planetary materials with compressive strengths less than 200 MPa. Since the dynamics of penetration are observable on a Discovery class spacecraft, which images the sampling operation, these data can be used with a model developed under this project, to measure in-situ strength and frictional strength of the crust of the object. During the last year we have developed a detailed analytic model of penetrator mechanics. Progress is reported for the solid penetrators experiments, the CIT penetrator model, and the impact spall sampling apparatus.

Ahrens, Thomas J.↗

Instrumentation and data acquisition for full-scale aircraft crash testing

The Landing and Impact Dynamics Branch of the NASA Langley Research Center has been conducting full-scale aircraft crash tests since the 1970s. Using a pendulum method, aircraft are suspended by cables from a 240-ft high gantry and swung into the impact surface at various attitudes and velocities. Instrumentation for these tests include on-board high-speed cameras, strain gages, load cells, displacement transducers, and accelerometers. Transducers in the aircraft are hard-wired through a long umbilical cable to the data acquisition room. Up to 96 channels of data can be collected at a typical rate of 4000 samples per second. Data acquisition using an FM multiplexed analog system and a high-speed personal computer based digital system is described.

Jones, Lisa E.↗

Dynamic Inland Propagation of Thinning Due to Ice Loss at the Margins of the Greenland Ice Sheet

Mass-balance analysis of the Greenland ice sheet based on surface elevation changes observed by the European Remote-sensing Satellite (ERS) (1992-2002) and Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) (2003-07) indicates that the strongly increased mass loss at lower elevations (<2000 m) of the ice sheet, as observed during 2003-07, appears to induce interior ice thinning at higher elevations. In this paper, we perform a perturbation experiment with a three-dimensional anisotropic ice-flow model (AIF model) to investigate this upstream propagation. Observed thinning rates in the regions below 2000m elevation are used as perturbation inputs. The model runs with perturbation for 10 years show that the extensive mass loss at the ice-sheet margins does in fact cause interior thinning on short timescales (i.e. decadal). The modeled pattern of thinning over the ice sheet agrees with the observations, which implies that the strong mass loss since the early 2000s at low elevations has had a dynamic impact on the entire ice sheet. The modeling results also suggest that even if the large mass loss at the margins stopped, the interior ice sheet would continue thinning for 300 years and would take thousands of years for full dynamic recovery.

ice dynamics↗

Impact Testing of Composites for Aircraft Engine Fan Cases

Before composite materials can be considered for use in the fan case of a commercial jet engine, the performance of a composite structure under blade-out loads needs to be demonstrated. The objective of this program is to develop an efficient test and analysis method for evaluating potential composite case concepts. Ballistic impact tests were performed on laminated glass/epoxy composites in order to identify potential failure modes and to provide data for analysis. Flat 7x7 in. panels were impacted with cylindrical titanium projectiles, and 15 in. diameter half-rings were impacted with wedge-shaped titanium projectiles. Composite failure involved local fiber fracture as well as tearing and delamination on a larger scale. A 36 in. diameter full-ring subcomponent was proposed for larger scale testing. Explicit, transient, finite element analyses were used to evaluate impact dynamics and subsequent global deformation for the proposed full-ring subcomponent test. Analyses on half-ring and quarter ring configurations indicated that less expensive smaller scale tests could be used to screen potential composite concepts when evaluation of local impact damage is the primary concern.

Roberts, Gary D.↗

Light airplane crash tests at three roll angles

Three similar twin engine general aviation airplanes were crash tested at the Langley impact dynamics research facility at 27 m/sec and at nominal roll angles of 0 deg, -15 deg, and -30 deg. Other flight parameters were held constant. The test facility, instrumentation, test specimens, and test method are briefly described. Structural damage and accelerometer data for each of the three impact conditions are presented and discussed.

Castle, C. B.↗