Results for “induced fracturing” — Page 6

NASA NTRS1978

Some recent theoretical and experimental developments in fracture mechanics

Recent theoretical and experimental developments in four distinct areas of fracture mechanics research are described. These are as follows: experimental comparisons of different nonlinear fracture toughness measures, including the nonlinear energy, R curve, COD and J integral methods; the singular elastic crack-tip stress and displacement equations and the validity of the proposition of their general adequacy as indicated, for example, by the biaxially loaded infinite sheet with a flat crack; the thermodynamic nature of surface energy induced by propagating cracks in relation to a general continuum thermodynamic description of brittle fracture; and analytical and experimental aspects of Mode II fracture, with experimental data for certain aluminum, steel and titanium alloys.

Liebowitz, H.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Knowledge of Pest Resistance in SiC/BN/SiC Composites Improved

Ceramic-matrix composites (CMC's) consisting of a silicon carbide matrix reinforced with boron-nitride- (BN-) coated silicon carbide (SiC) fibers are strong contenders for commercial and aerospace applications (in particular, the hot sections of high-performance turbine engines in advanced aircraft and generators). They have very good mechanical properties below approximately 600 C and above approximately 1000 C. Between those temperatures, however, the BN coating oxidizes easily, and the oxidation of the SiC matrix is too sluggish to seal off the composite with a protective layer of silica. In that temperature interval, the preferential oxidation of the BN weakens and embrittles the composite. That phenomenon, referred to as "pest" degradation, is the focus of this work, which aims to identify the causes of and remedies for pesting. Previous work established that pesting in Hi-Nicalon (Nippon Carbon Co., Ltd., Japan)/SiC composites was caused by a layer of free carbon that undermined the oxidation resistance of the BN. New work suggests that composites containing a source of carbon are prone to severe pesting and that those that are free of elemental carbon are resistant pesting. Pest resistance was assessed by exposing machined samples for 100 to 150 hr in an atmospheric burner rig at 600 to 1100 C, followed by a tensile fracture test to measure residual mechanical properties and by characterization of the interphase microstructure. Whether the elemental carbon came from intrinsic or extrinsic sources, its presence induced the tensile strength to drop by over 50 percent in the burner rig, with an even more severe loss of fracture strain. A likely mechanism by which burnoff of the carbon layer exposes the BN to accelerated flank attack by ambient oxidants is shown. The BN is replaced with borosilicates that attack the fiber, and ultimately with silica that embrittles the composites by rigidly bonding components. Thus, the study has shown that pesting can be prevented in SiC/BN/SiC, or at least reduced, by simply excluding free carbon. These studies continue, and plans for future work include investigating the role that carbon may play elsewhere in the interphase region.

Thomas-Ogbuji, Linus U.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Techniques for increasing boron fiber fracture strain

Improvement in the strain-to-failure of CVD boron fibers is shown possible by contracting the tungsten boride core region and its inherent flaws. The results of three methods are presented in which etching and thermal processing techniques were employed to achieve core flaw contraction by internal stresses available in the boron sheath. After commercially and treatment induced surface flaws were removed from 203 micrometers (8 mil) fibers, the core flaw was observed to be essentially the only source of fiber fracture. Thus, fiber strain-to-failure was found to improve by an amount equal to the treatment induced contraction on the core flaw. Commercial feasibility considerations suggest as the most cost effective technique that method in which as-produced fibers are given a rapid heat treatment above 700 C. Preliminary results concerning the contraction kinetics and fracture behavior observed are presented and discussed both for high vacuum and argon gas heat treatment environments.

Dicarlo, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS2025

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to Assess Changes to Trabecular Microarchitecture (Trb µArch) of the Hip

BACKGROUND . Calculated loss rates in trabecular (Trb) volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), in astronauts after return from 6-month long-duration (LD) spaceflight, are rapid relative to menopause-induced loss rates and could contribute to the observed lack of recovery. Perforations in the Trb bony struts, skeletal fragility and fractures [5] have been associated with the rapid rate of bone loss in women due to menopause. The more rapid loss rate observed in astronauts could be inducing similar, irreversible losses of trabecular connectivity as seen in cadaver studies of female skeletons. These changes are not detectable by DXA technology and would not be discovered in astronauts during scheduled, triennial DXA testing for primary osteoporosis. High-resolution-peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) of the lower leg have detected losses in Trb vBMD (vBMD) and changes in Trb microarchitecture (µArch) in astronauts immediately following routine 6-month spaceflights and continuing in some individuals for 1 or more years postflight with no signs of recovery. Resolution of these microarchitectural changes by whole body QCT, especially in the deeply embedded hip bone, is prohibitive due to excessive and unsafe radiation exposures. While HR-pQCT has sufficient resolution to study Trb µArch at safe and lower radiation exposure testing is restricted only to the lower leg and wrist. Hence, a technology to detect detrimental changes to Trb µArch in astronauts, especially of the hip, is needed to inform type and timing of countermeasures to irreversible deficits (preflight, inflight and postflight). METHODS . This HRP-funded study (2023-2027) will verify the sensitivity of a protocol for MRI scanning (on a 3T Siemens Vida) to detect changes to hip Trb µArch in persons following spinal cord injury (SCI); skeletal immobilization below the spinal lesion will serve as an analog for non-weight-bearing during spaceflight. The study period has been extended by 1 yr due to delayed Richmond IRB approval in Y1. A 3T MRI protocol will characterize serial changes in hip Trb µArch in SCI patients from time of admission at the Richmond VA Medical Center to their scheduled annual exam 12-months later. SCI patients with age, sex, and physical characteristics like ISS astronauts will be consented. The ability of 3T MRI hip scan to discriminate loss of trabecular connectivity subjects with SCI will be compared to age- and sex-matched ambulatory controls. A comparison between HR-pQCT and MRI measurements at the ankle (distal tibia) of study subjects will also be performed. A modified DXA scan analysis (3D-Shaper) will also be verified as a potential method for monitoring concurrent changes in hip Trb bone over 12-month. SIGNIFICANCE . Deliverables: a surveillance method for assessing for irreversible losses of connectivity and how skeletal changes after LD spaceflight(s) would modify the terrestrial risk of primary osteoporosis.

Spinal Cord Injury↗

NASA NTRS2025

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to Assess Changes to Trabecular Microarchitecture (Trb µArch) of the Hip

BACKGROUND . Calculated loss rates in trabecular (Trb) volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), in astronauts after return from 6-month long-duration (LD) spaceflight, are rapid relative to menopause-induced loss rates and could contribute to the observed lack of recovery. Perforations in the Trb bony struts, skeletal fragility and fractures [5] have been associated with the rapid rate of bone loss in women due to menopause. The more rapid loss rate observed in astronauts could be inducing similar, irreversible losses of trabecular connectivity as seen in cadaver studies of female skeletons. These changes are not detectable by DXA technology and would not be discovered in astronauts during scheduled, triennial DXA testing for primary osteoporosis. High-resolution-peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) of the lower leg have detected losses in Trb vBMD (vBMD) and changes in Trb microarchitecture (µArch) in astronauts immediately following routine 6-month spaceflights and continuing in some individuals for 1 or more years postflight with no signs of recovery. Resolution of these microarchitectural changes by whole body QCT, especially in the deeply embedded hip bone, is prohibitive due to excessive and unsafe radiation exposures. While HR-pQCT has sufficient resolution to study Trb µArch at safe and lower radiation exposure testing is restricted only to the lower leg and wrist. Hence, a technology to detect detrimental changes to Trb µArch in astronauts, especially of the hip, is needed to inform type and timing of countermeasures to irreversible deficits (preflight, inflight and postflight). METHODS . This HRP-funded study (2023-2027) will verify the sensitivity of a protocol for MRI scanning (on a 3T Siemens Vida) to detect changes to hip Trb µArch in persons following spinal cord injury (SCI); skeletal immobilization below the spinal lesion will serve as an analog for non-weight-bearing during spaceflight. The study period has been extended by 1 yr due to delayed Richmond IRB approval in Y1. A 3T MRI protocol will characterize serial changes in hip Trb µArch in SCI patients from time of admission at the Richmond VA Medical Center to their scheduled annual exam 12-months later. SCI patients with age, sex, and physical characteristics like ISS astronauts will be consented. The ability of 3T MRI hip scan to discriminate loss of trabecular connectivity subjects with SCI will be compared to age- and sex-matched ambulatory controls. A comparison between HR-pQCT and MRI measurements at the ankle (distal tibia) of study subjects will also be performed. A modified DXA scan analysis (3D-Shaper) will also be verified as a potential method for monitoring concurrent changes in hip Trb bone over 12-month. SIGNIFICANCE . Deliverables: a surveillance method for assessing for irreversible losses of connectivity and how skeletal changes after LD spaceflight(s) would modify the terrestrial risk of primary osteoporosis.

Risk Surveillance↗

NASA NTRS1982

Factors influencing the thermally-induced strength degradation of B/Al composites

Literature data related to the thermally-induced strength degradation of B/Al composites were examined in the light of fracture theories based on reaction-controlled fiber weakening. Under the assumption of a parabolic time-dependent growth for the interfacial reaction product, a Griffith-type fracture model was found to yield simple equations whose predictions were in good agreement with data for boron fiber average strength and for B/Al axial fracture strain. The only variables in these equations were the time and temperature of the thermal exposure and an empirical factor related to fiber surface smoothness prior to composite consolidation. Such variables as fiber diameter and aluminum alloy composition were found to have little influence. The basic and practical implications of the fracture model equations are discussed.

Dicarlo, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Factors influencing the thermally-induced strength degradation of B/Al composites

Literature data related to the thermally-induced strength degradation of B/Al composites were examined in the light of fracture theories based on reaction-controlled fiber weakening. Under the assumption of a parabolic time-dependent growth for the interfacial reaction product, a Griffith-type fracture model was found to yield simple equations whose predictions were in good agreement with data for boron fiber average strength and for B/Al axial fracture strain. The only variables in these equations were the time and temperature of the thermal exposure and an empirical factor related to fiber surface smoothness prior to composite consolidation. Such variables as fiber diameter and aluminum alloy composition were found to have little influence. The basic and practical implications of the fracture model equations are discussed. Previously announced in STAR as N82-24297

Dicarlo, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Viscoelastic Relaxation of Topographic Highs on Venus to Produce Coronae

Coronae on Venus are believed to result from the gravitationally driven relaxation of topography that was originally raised by mantle diapirs. We examine this relaxation using a viscoelastic finite element code, and show that an initially plateau shaped load will evolve to the characteristic corona topography of central raised bowl, annular rim, and surrounding moat. Stresses induced by the relaxation are consistent with the development of concentric extensional fracturing common on the outer margins of corona moats. However, relaxation is not expected to produce the concentric faulting often observed on the annular rim. The relaxation timescale is shorter than the diapir cooling timescale, so loss of thermal support controls the rate at which topography is reduced. The final corona shape is supported by buoyancy and flexural stresses and will persist through geologic time. Development of lower, flatter central bowls and narrower and more pronounced annular rims and moats enhanced by thicker crusts, higher thermal gradients, and crustal thinning over the diapir.

Janes, Daniel M.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Martian Crustal Magnetism: What Have We Learned After Approximately 6 Years of MGS Observations?

The MAG/ER investigation aboard the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) has established conclusively that an internal, dynamo-generated field does not currently exist at Mars and discovered, unexpectedly, strong magnetization in the crust. An estimate of the upper limit of the current Mars dipole moment derived from the MGS data yields M < ~2 x 10(exp 17) A-m2, which corresponds to a surface equatorial field strength of < 0.5 nT. The intense magnetization of the crust is closely associated with the ancient, heavily cratered high terrain, which lies south of Mars dichotomy boundary. The correlation of magnetization with the old terrain and the role of impacts, which have modified the magnetic properties of the crust, constitute a new and powerful diagnostic tool that is providing a unique view into the early thermal history of the planet, which was almost totally unknown prior to the arrival of MGS. Data from the Lunar Prospector mission complement contemporary analyses and interpretation of crustal magnetism in planetary system bodies that do not currently possess core dynamos. The observation of magnetic lineations over Terra Sirenum (Sirenum Fossae) and Terra Cimmeria, are suggestive of tectonic processes observed at Earth in association with sea-floor spreading and geomagnetic field reversals. If this association is correct, it would indicate the possible existence of plate tectonics and magnetic field reversals in Mars' early history. Alternative models involving fault/graben formation associated with the fracturing of a thin, magnetized crustal layer by tectonic or volcanism-induced stresses, yield equally valid interpretations. To date, no reliable correlation between topography, geology and crustal magnetism has been established and the origin of these remarkable Martian magnetic anomalies remains a mystery.

M H Acuna↗

NASA NTRS2014

TBS (Trabecular Bone Score) Expands Understanding of Spaceflight Effects on the Lumbar Spine of Long-Duration Astronauts

Bone loss due to long‐duration spaceflight has been characterized by both DXA and QCT serial scans. It is unclear if these spaceflight‐induced changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and structure result in increased fracture incidence. NASA astronauts currently fly 5 to 6‐month missions on the International Space Station (ISS) and at least one 12‐month mission is planned. While NASA has measured areal BMD (by DXA) and volumetric BMD (by QCT) and has estimated hip strength (by finite element models of QCT data, no method has yet been used to examine bone micro‐architecture from lumbar spine (LS). DXA scans are routinely performed pre‐ and postflight on all ISS astronauts to follow BMD changes associated with spaceflight. Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) is a relatively new method that measures grey‐scale‐level texture information extracted from LS DXA images and correlates with 3D parameters of bone micro‐architecture. We evaluated the ability of LS TBS to discriminate changes in astronauts who have flown on ISS missions and to determine if TBS can provide additional information compared to DXA. Methods: Lumbar Spine (L1‐4) DXA scans from 51 astronauts (mean age, 47 +/- 4 yrs) were divided into 3 groups based on the exercise regimens performed onboard the ISS. "Pre‐ARED" (exercise using a load‐limited resistive exercise device, <300 lb), "ARED" (exercise with a high‐load resistive exercise device, up to 600 lb) and "Bisphos+ARED" group (ARED exercise and a 70‐mg alendronate tablet once a week before and during flight, starting 17 days before launch). DXA scans were performed and analyzed on a Hologic Discovery W using the same technician for the pre‐ and post‐flight scans. LSC for the LS in our laboratory is 0.025 g/sq. cm. TBS was performed at the Mercy Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio on a similar Hologic computer. Data were analyzed using a paired, 2‐tailed Student's t‐test for the difference between pre‐ and postflight means. Percent change and % change per month are noted. Interpretation: Our data suggest that: TBS and DXA both detected significant decrements in the LS in these pre‐ ARED astronauts, not unexpected given the insufficient loads provided by this early exercise device. TBS did not detect significant changes in the ARED or Bisphos+ARED groups while DXA did detect significant changes in the ARED astronauts. These findings suggest that DXA and TBS are detecting independent effects of bone loss interventions tested in ISS astronauts in space, which may be due to distinct effects of interventions on mineral content of separate cortical vs. trabecular bone. Conclusion: TBS, in conjunction with DXA BMD, may provide additional insight into the nature of changes (or lack thereof) in the microstructure of trabecular bone and the areal BMD of vertebral bodies.

Smith, Scott A.↗

NASA NTRS1982

The relationship of compliance changes during fatigue loading to the fracture of composite materials

The study outlined here is based on measurements of the change in engineering stiffness values induced by the development of damage in composite laminates during quasi-static or cyclic (fatigue) loading. These changes are found to be related to the individual details of the damage events in the laminates, as well as to the residual strength and life of the laminates. It is believed that the stiffness changes can also be used to relate composite material behavior under cyclic loading to its behavior under quasi-static loading. Results are presented for both notched and unnotched laminates. Compliance changes are found to be caused by damage events that bring about both global and local redistributions of stress. It is also found that the redistributions of stress determine the residual strength of the laminate. The quantitative link between compliance changes and fracture strength is the mechanics of the internal stress redistributions.

Reifsnider, K. L.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Assessment of metabolic bone diseases by quantitative computed tomography

Advances in the radiologic sciences have permitted the development of numerous noninvasive techniques for measuring the mineral content of bone, with varying degrees of precision, accuracy, and sensitivity. The techniques of standard radiography, radiogrammetry, photodensitometry, Compton scattering, neutron activation analysis, single and dual photon absorptiometry, and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) are described and reviewed in depth. Results from previous cross-sectional and longitudinal QCT investigations are given. They then describe a current investigation in which they studied 269 subjects, including 173 normal women, 34 patients with hyperparathyroidism, 24 patients with steroid-induced osteoporosis, and 38 men with idiopathic osteoporosis. Spinal quantitative computed tomography, radiogrammetry, and single photon absorptiometry were performed, and a spinal fracture index was calculated on all patients. The authors found a disproportionate loss of spinal trabecular mineral compared to appendicular mineral in the men with idiopathic osteoporosis and the patients with steroid-induced osteoporosis. They observed roughly equivalent mineral loss in both the appendicular and axial regions in the hyperparathyroid patients. The appendicular cortical measurements correlated moderately well with each other but less well with spinal trabecular QCT. The spinal fracture index correlated well with QCT and less well with the appendicular measurements. Knowledge of appendicular cortical mineral status is important in its own right but is not a valid predictor of axial trabecular mineral status, which may be disproportionately decreased in certain diseases. Quantitative CT provides a reliable means of assessing the latter region of the skeleton, correlates well with the spinal fracture index (a semiquantitative measurement of end-organ failure), and offers the clinician a sensitive means of following the effects of therapy.

Minerals/analysis↗

NASA NTRS1987

Fracture study of windshield glass panes

The major stresses which cause crack propagation in windshield glass panes are induced by bending moments which result from the pressure differentials across the panes. Hence the stress intensity factors for the finite plate with the semi-elliptical surface flaw and edge crack under the bending moments are examined. The results show that the crack growth will be upperbound if it is computed by using the stress intensity factor for the finite plate with the edge crack subjected to pure bending moments. Furthermore, if the ratio of crack depth to plate thickness, a/t, is within 0.3, the stress intensity factor can be conservatively assumed to be constant at the value of a/t equal to zero. A simplified equation to predict the structural life of glass panes is derived based on constant stress intensity factor. The accuracy of structural life is mainly dependent on how close the empirical parameter, m, can be estimated.

Yeh, H. Y.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Fracture Mechanics Analysis of LH2 Feed Line Flow Liners

Inspections of the Space Shuttle Main Engine revealed fatigue cracks growing from slots in the flow liner of the liquid hydrogen (LH2) feed lines. During flight, the flow liners experience complex loading induced by flow of LH2 and the resonance characteristics of the structure. The flow liners are made of Inconel 718 and had previously not been considered a fracture critical component. However, fatigue failure of a flow liner could have catastrophic effect on the Shuttle engines. A fracture mechanics study was performed to determine if a damage tolerance approach to life management was possible and to determine the sensitivity to the load spectra, material properties, and crack size. The load spectra were derived separately from ground tests and material properties were obtained from coupon tests. The stress-intensity factors for the fatigue cracks were determined from a shell-dynamics approach that simulated the dominant resonant frequencies. Life predictions were obtained using the NASGRO life prediction code. The results indicated that adequate life could not be demonstrated for initial crack lengths of the size that could be detected by traditional NDE techniques.

James, Mark A.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Factors influencing the Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness of a rubber toughened thermoplastic matrix composite

The use of a rubber modified thermoplastic resin has been investigated as a method to improve the Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness of a unidirectional continuous carbon fiber composite. Test results show that the improvement in the fracture toughness is less than expected due to rubber particle agglomeration, solvent and molding induced crystallization of the matrix and poor fiber/matrix adhesion. The plastic zone in composites utilizing tough matrices can extend well beyond a single interfibrillar spacing. However, the development of the plastic zone is limited due to the failure of the fiber/matrix interface. In order to fully evaluate the potential of tough composites using toughened matrices, any improvement made in the matrix toughness must be coupled with improvements in the fiber/matrix adhesion.

Parker, D. S.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Elevated temperature crack growth

Alloy 718 crack growth experiments were conducted to assess the ability of the selected path-independent (P-I) integrals to describe the elevated temperature crack growth behavior. These tests were performed on single edge notch (SEN) specimens under displacement control with multiple extensometers to monitor the specimen and crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD). The displacements in these tests were sufficiently high to induce bulk cyclic inelastic deformation of the specimen. Under these conditions, the linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) parameter K does not correlate the crack growth data. The experimentally measured displacement gradients at the end of specimen gage length were used as the boundary conditions in elastic-plastic finite element method (FEM) analyses. These analyses were performed with a node release approach using CYANIDE, a GEAE FEM code, which included a gap element which is capable of efficiently simulating crack closure. Excellent correlation was obtained between the experimentally measured and predicted variation of stress and CMOD with crack length and the stress-CMOD loops for Alloy 718 tests conducted at 538 C. This confirmed the accuracy of the FEM crack growth simulation approach. The experimentally measured crack growth rate data correlated well the selected P-I integrals. These investigations have produced significant progress in developing P-I integrals as non-linear fracture mechanics parameters. The results suggest that this methodology has the potential of accurately describing elevated temperature crack growth behavior under the combined influence of thermal cycling and bulk elastic-inelastic deformation states.

Kim, K. S.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Impacts, extinctions, volcanism, glaciations, and tectonics: Matches and mismatches

The debate concerning possible reactions between impacts, extinction events, and volcanism has recently taken a new turn. Diamictites and associated sedimentary deposits long regarded by geologists as glaciogenic, have been reinterpreted as impact-related. Going further, the Permo-Carboniferous diamictites that are widespread in the southern continents and India are not put forward as evidence that fragmentation of the Gondwana supercontinent in the Mesozoic was a direct result of meteorite impact. In an abstract at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union, and in an article in the popular press, one member of the earth science community has made a specific claim to identify the site of the supercontinent-destroying bolide on the Falkland/Malvinas Plateau. It is claimed by this scientist that the Cape Fold belt in Africa represents a 'breaking wave' of deformation resulting from this impact, and that fractures in the clasts of the Dwyka diamictite in southern Africa represent impact-induced cataclasis of the target rock. These hypotheses fly in the face of the well-established tectonic history of the Gondwana supercontinent in several respects.

Dalziel, I. W. D.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Martian surface and crust - Review and synthesis.

The nature of the classical marking of Mars are studied on the basis of Mariner 9 data and some earlier data. The analysis leads to a model of the Martian crust. Evidence for petrologic distinctions between surface materials in dark and light regions is obtained. It is shown that the classical markings are a complex result of three factors: (1) availability of two types of rock material transportable by wind, (2) topographic control of deposition, and (3) prevailing winds producing quasi-permanent preferential deposition patterns. The crust, especially in the Tharsis region, bears strong evidence of mantle-induced uplift of a type existing on earth. Such uplifts have obliterated ancient craters, caused fractures and graben systems, and have resulted in intense volcanism.

Hartmann, W. K.↗