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At least 127 records · Page 7

Gear crack propagation investigations

Analytical and experimental studies were performed to investigate the effect of gear rim thickness on crack propagation life. The FRANC (FRacture ANalysis Code) computer program was used to simulate crack propagation. The FRANC program used principles of linear elastic fracture mechanics, finite element modeling, and a unique re-meshing scheme to determine crack tip stress distributions, estimate stress intensity factors, and model crack propagation. Various fatigue crack growth models were used to estimate crack propagation life based on the calculated stress intensity factors. Experimental tests were performed in a gear fatigue rig to validate predicted crack propagation results. Test gears were installed with special crack propagation gages in the tooth fillet region to measure bending fatigue crack growth. Good correlation between predicted and measured crack growth was achieved when the fatigue crack closure concept was introduced into the analysis. As the gear rim thickness decreased, the compressive cyclic stress in the gear tooth fillet region increased. This retarded crack growth and increased the number of crack propagation cycles to failure.

Lewicki, David G.↗

Charge transfer excitation energies from ground state density functional theory calculations

Calculating charge transfer (CT) excitation energies with high accuracy and low computational cost is a challenging task. Kohn-Sham density functional theory (KS-DFT), due to its efficiency and accuracy, has achieved great success in describing ground state problems. To extend to excited state problems, our group recently demonstrated an approach with good numerical results to calculate low-lying and Rydberg excitation energies of an N-electron system from a ground state KS or generalized KS calculations of an (N-1)-electron system via its orbital energies. In the present work, we explore further the same methodology to describe CT excitations. Numerical results from this work show that performance of conventional density functional approximations (DFAs) is not as good for CT excitations as for other excitations due to the delocalization error. Applying localized orbital scaling correction (LOSC) to conventional DFAs, a recently developed method in our group to effectively reduce the delocalization error, can improve the results. Overall, the performance of this methodology is better than time dependent DFT (TDDFT) with conventional DFAs. In addition, it shows that results from LOSC-DFAs in this method reach similar accuracy to other methods, such as ΔSCF, G 0 W 0 with Bethe-Salpeter equations, particle-particle random phase approximation, and even high-level wavefunction methods like CC2. Our analysis shows that the correct 1/R trend for CT excitation can be captured from LOSC-DFA calculations, stressing that the application of DFAs with the minimal delocalization error is essential within this methodology. This work provides an efficient way to calculate CT excitation energies from ground state DFT.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Finite element elastic-plastic-creep and cyclic life analysis of a cowl lip

Results are presented of elastic, elastic-plastic, and elastic-plastic-creep analyses of a test-rig component of an actively cooled cowl lip. A cowl lip is part of the leading edge of an engine inlet of proposed hypersonic aircraft and is subject to severe thermal loadings and gradients during flight. Values of stresses calculated by elastic analysis are well above the yield strength of the cowl lip material. Such values are highly unrealistic, and thus elastic stress analyses are inappropriate. The inelastic (elastic-plastic and elastic-plastic-creep) analyses produce more reasonable and acceptable stress and strain distributions in the component. Finally, using the results from these analyses, predictions are made for the cyclic crack initiation life of a cowl lip. A comparison of predicted cyclic lives shows the cyclic life prediction from the elastic-plastic-creep analysis to be the lowest and, hence, most realistic.

Arya, Vinod K.↗

Finite element elastic-plastic-creep and cyclic life analysis of a cowl lip

Results are presented of elastic, elastic-plastic and elastic-plastic-creep analyses of a test-rig component of an actively cooled cowl lip. A cowl lip is part of the leading edge of an engine inlet of proposed hypersonic aircraft and is subject to severe thermal loadings and gradients during flight. Values of stresses calculated by elastic analysis are well above the yield strength of the cowl lip material. Such values are highly unrealistic, and thus elastic stress analyses are inappropriate. The inelastic (elastic-plastic and elastic-plastic-creep) analyses produce more reasonable and acceptable stress and strain distributions in the component. Finally, using the results from these analyses, predictions are made for the cyclic crack initiation life of a cowl lip. A comparison of predicted cyclic lives shows the cyclic life prediction from the elastic-plastic-creep analysis to be the lowest and, hence, most realistic.

Arya, V. K.↗

An Enhanced Virtual Crack Closure Technique for Stress Intensity Factor Calculation along Arbitrary Crack Fronts and the Application in Hydraulic Fracturing Simulation

The virtual crack closure technique (VCCT) is widely used for calculating energy release rates along crack fronts and modeling the propagation of cracks in solid materials. Although the VCCT formulation for smooth crack fronts has been sufficiently addressed in the literature, the application of VCCT to a nonsmoothed crack front with sharp corners warrants further investigation. In this study, we describe an enhanced VCCT to calculate energy release rates and stress intensity factors for cracks with arbitrary shapes in 3D domains discretized on structured grids. The formulations of the enhanced VCCT were developed and implemented into a multiphysics simulation environment capable of simulating crack propagation in the framework of linear elastic fracture mechanics. Comparisons with existing analytical/numerical solutions and other VCCT approaches were performed to verify the enhanced VCCT in terms of SIF calculation along nonsmoothed crack fronts. We then applied the enhanced VCCT to a hydraulically driven penny-shaped fracture problem to further demonstrate its capability to simulate nonsmoothed fracture propagation.

02 PETROLEUM↗

First principle study of magnetism and vacancy energetics in a near equimolar NiFeMnCr high entropy alloy

We report the results of ab initio calculations of a novel NiFeMnCr high entropy alloy (HEA) with potential applications as a high performance structural material. The bulk and defect property variations due to chemical disordering and magnetic frustration have been studied using both supercell and coherent potential approximation-based techniques. While magnetic frustration due to the presence of multiple 3d transition metals can severely affect the accuracy of vacancy formation energy in first-principles calculations, this effect should be suppressed at intermediate and high temperatures. An efficient approach to evaluate the chemical potential in HEA is constructed and implemented. Vacancy formation energies are computed based on the chemical potential. The statistical distribution of formation energies is weakly dependent upon the chemical identity of the vacancy. On the other hand, the calculated vacancy migration energies show that Fe is more likely to have a large migration barrier than Cr, Mn, or Ni. Finally, atomic-level stresses are computed. A qualitative model to explain the elemental segregation trend in HEA is built upon the atomic-level stress calculation results and provides a reasonable qualitative agreement with ion irradiation experimental data of a NiFeMnCr HEA.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of stress evolution on microstructural behavior in U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel [Effect of stress on microstructural evolution in U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel]

U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel irradiated to high burnup at high power (high fission rate) exhibited microstructural changes such as deformation of the fuel particles, pore growth, and rupture of the Al matrix. The driving force for these microstructural changes was meat swelling caused by a combination of fuel particle swelling and interaction layer growth. Five miniplates with well-recorded fabrication data and irradiation conditions were selected, and their PIE data was analyzed. ABAQUS finite element analysis (FEA) was utilized to simulate the microstructural evolution of the plates. Using the simulation results shear stress, effective stress and hydrostatic stress exerted on both the fuel particles and the Al matrix were determined. The effects of fabrication and irradiation variables on stress-induced microstructural evolutions, such as pore growth in the interaction layers and Al matrix rupture, were investigated. The observed microstructural changes were consistent with the calculated stress distribution in the meat.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Recent Advances in the Method of Forces: Integrated Force Method of Structural Analysis

Stress that can be induced in an elastic continuum can be determined directly through the simultaneous application of the equilibrium equations and the compatibility conditions. In the literature, this direct stress formulation is referred to as the integrated force method. This method, which uses forces as the primary unknowns, complements the popular equilibrium-based stiffness method, which considers displacements as the unknowns. The integrated force method produces accurate stress, displacement, and frequency results even for modest finite element models. This version of the force method should be developed as an alternative to the stiffness method because the latter method, which has been researched for the past several decades, may have entered its developmental plateau. Stress plays a primary role in the development of aerospace and other products, and its analysis is difficult. Therefore, it is advisable to use both methods to calculate stress and eliminate errors through comparison. This paper examines the role of the integrated force method in analysis, animation and design.

Patnaik, Surya N.↗

Recent Advances in the Method of Forces: Integrated Force Method of Structural Analysis

Stress that can be induced in an elastic continuum can be determined directly through the simultaneous application of the equilibrium equations and the compatibility conditions. In the literature, this direct stress formulation is referred to as the integrated force method. This method, which uses forces as the primary unknowns, complements the popular equilibrium-based stiffness method, which considers displacements as the unknowns. The integrated force method produces accurate stress, displacement, and frequency results even for modest finite element models. This version of the force method should be developed as an alternative to the stiffness method because the latter method, which has been researched for the past several decades, may have entered its developmental plateau. Stress plays a primary role in the development of aerospace and other products, and its analysis is difficult. Therefore, it is advisable to use both methods to calculate stress and eliminate errors through comparison. This paper examines the role of the integrated force method in analysis, animation and design.

Patnaik, Surya N.↗

State of stress, faulting, and eruption characteristics of large volcanoes on Mars

The formation of a large volcano loads the underlying lithospheric plate and can lead to lithospheric flexure and faulting. In turn, lithospheric stresses affect the stress field beneath and within the volcanic edifice and can influence magma transport. Modeling the interaction of these processes is crucial to an understanding of the history of eruption characteristics and tectonic deformation of large volcanoes. We develop models of time-dependent stress and deformation of the Tharsis volcanoes on Mars. A finite element code is used that simulates viscoelastic flow in the mantle and elastic plate flexural behavior. We calculate stresses and displacements due to a volcano-shaped load emplaced on an elastic plate. Models variously incorporate growth of the volcanic load with time and a detachment between volcano and lithosphere. The models illustrate the manner in which time-dependent stresses induced by lithospheric plate flexure beneath the volcanic load may affect eruption histories, and the derived stress fields can be related to tectonic features on and surrounding martian volcanoes.

Mcgovern, Patrick J.↗

Satellite Detection of the Convection Generated Stresses in Earth

We review research developments on satellite detection of the convection generated stresses in the Earth for seismic hazard assessment and Earth resource survey. Particular emphasis is laid upon recent progress and results of stress calculations from which the origin and evolution of the tectonic features on Earth's surface can be scientifically addressed. An important aspect of the recent research development in tectonic stresses relative to earthquakes is the implications for earthquake forecasting and prediction. We have demonstrated that earthquakes occur on the ring of fire around the Pacific in response to the tectonic stresses induced by mantle convection. We propose a systematic global assessment of the seismic hazard based on variations of tectonic stresses in the Earth as observed by satellites. This space geodynamic approach for assessing the seismic hazard is unique in that it can pinpoint the triggering stresses for large earthquakes without ambiguities of geological structures, fault geometries, and other tectonic properties. Also, it is distinct from the probabilistic seismic hazard assessment models in the literature, which are based only on extrapolations of available earthquake data.

Liu, Han-Shou↗

Deterministic and Statistical Modeling of a New Thermal Breakout Technology for Measuring the Maximum Horizontal In-Situ Stress

The current state-of-the-art technology for in-situ stress measurements involves an integrated approach that combines borehole breakout observations, drilling-induced tensile fractures, and hydraulic fracturing tests (i.e., “mini-fracs”). This methodology has achieved wide application in the oil and gas industry but has several limitations that often prevent successful in-situ stress measurements. One major limitation is that breakouts do not appear in all boreholes and are generally only a natural occurrence that cannot easily be controlled. Because borehole breakouts are used to directly measure the maximum horizontal in-situ stress magnitude, the absence of borehole breakouts presents a major data gap for in-situ stress measurements. In response to this data gap, a new US Department of Energy (US DOE)-sponsored thermal breakout technology that will provide a method for thermally inducing borehole breakouts and allow the consistent measurement of the maximum horizontal stress magnitude is currently in development. This thermal breakout technology involves heating the borehole and increasing the thermoelastic compressive stress in the rock until a breakout develops, which can be directly correlated to the maximum horizontal stress magnitude. The first step in this project was an analytical modeling study of the thermal breakout process. Based on the Kirsch solution (Kirsch 1898), a deterministic and statistical analysis was performed on the pertinent parameters that influence the maximum horizontal stress calculation. As a result of the analysis, the findings indicate that the thermal breakout technology is feasible and provides improved accuracy and/or an enhanced ability to measure the maximum horizontal stress. Future work as part of this US DOE-sponsored project includes additional validation through more detailed numerical modeling, laboratory testing, and field testing of the thermal breakout technology.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Delamination Analysis Of Composite Curved Bars

Classical anisotropic elasticity theory used to construct "multilayer" composite semicircular curved bar subjected to end forces and end moments. Radial location and intensity of open-mode delamination stress calculated and compared with results obtained from anisotropic continuum theory and from finite element method. Multilayer theory gave more accurate predictions of location and intensity of open-mode delamination stress. Currently being applied to predict open-mode delamination stress concentrations in horse-shoe-shaped composite test coupons.

Ko, William L.↗

The structural response of a rail accelerator

The transient response of a 0.4 by 0.6 cm rectangular bore rail accelerator was analyzed by a three dimensional finite element code. The copper rail deflected to a peak value of 0.08 mm in compression and then oscillated at an amplitude of 0.02 mm. Simultaneously the insulating side wall of glass fabric base, epoxy resin laminate (G-1o) was compressed to a peak value of 0.13 mm and rebounded to a steady state in extension. Projectile pinch or blowby due to the rail extension or compression, respectively, can be identified by examining the time history of the rail displacement. The effect of blowby was most significant at the side wall characterized by mm size displacement in compression. Dynamic stress calculations indicate that the G-10 supporting material behind the rail is subjected to over 21 MPa at which the G-10 could fail if the laminate was not carefully oriented. Results for a polycarbonate resin (Lexan) side wall show much larger displacements and stresses than for G-10. The tradeoff between the transparency of Lexan and the mechanical strength of G-10 for sidewall material is obvious. Displacement calculations from the modal method are smaller than the results from the direct integration method by almost an order of magnitude, because the high frequency effect is neglected.

Wang, S. Y.↗

The structural response of a rail acceleration

The transient response of a 0.4 by 0.6 cm rectangular bore rail accelerator was analyzed by a three dimensional finite element code. The copper rail deflected to a peak value of 0.08 mm in compression and then oscillated at an amplitude of 0.02 mm. Simultaneously the insulating side wall of glass fabric base, epoxy resin laminate (G-10) was compressed to a peak value of 0.13 mm and rebounded to a steady state in extension. Projectile pinch or blowby due to the rail extension or compression, respectively, can be identified by examining the time history of the rail displacement. The effect of blowby was most significant at the side wall characterized by mm size displacement in compression. Dynamic stress calculations indicate that the G-10 supporting material behind the rail is subjected to over 21 MPa at which the G-10 could fail if the laminate was not carefully oriented. Results for a polycarbonate resin (Lexan) side wall show much larger displacements and stresses than for G-10. The tradeoff between the transparency of Lexan and the mechanical strength of G-10 for sidewall material is obvious. Displacement calculations from the modal method are smaller than the results from the direct integration method by almost an order of magnitude, because the high frequency effect is neglected. Previously announced in STAR as N83-35412

Wang, S. Y.↗

Multiscale Approach to Fast ModSim for Laser Processing of Metals for Future Nuclear Deterrence Environments

Predicting performance of parts produced using laser-metal processing remains an out- standing challenge. While many computational models exist, they are generally too computationally expensive to simulate the build of an engineering-scale part. This work develops a reduced order thermal model of a laser-metal system using analytical Green's function solutions to the linear heat equation, representing a step towards achieving a full part performance prediction in an "overnight" time frame. The developed model is able to calculate a thermal history for an example problem 72 times faster than a traditional FEM method. The model parameters are calibrated using a non-linear solution and microstructures and residual stresses calculated and compared to a non-linear case. The calibrated model shows promising agreement with a non-linear solution.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Experimental evaluation of stresses in spherically hollow balls

An analysis was undertaken to evaluate stresses within spherically hollow ball bearings proportioned for 40, 50, and 60% mass reductions. Strain gage rosettes were used to determine principal strains and stresses in the steel ball models statically loaded in various orientations. Dimensionless results are reported for the balls under flate plate contact loads. Similitude considerations permit these results to be applied to calculate stresses in hollow ball bearings proportioned to these mass reductions.

Nypan, L. J.↗