Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “extreme deformation”

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 145 records · Page 8

Interface Modes in Inspiralling Neutron Stars: A Gravitational-Wave Probe of First-Order Phase Transitions

At the extreme densities in neutron stars, a phase transition to deconfined quark matter is anticipated. Yet masses, radii, and tidal deformabilities offer only indirect measures of a first-order phase transition, requiring many detections to resolve or being ineffective observables if the discontinuity exists at lower densities. Here, we report on a smoking-gun gravitational-wave signature of a first-order transition: the resonant tidal excitation of an interface mode. Using relativistic perturbation theory with an equation-of-state family informed by chiral effective field theory, we show that such a resonance may be detectable with next-generation interferometers and possibly already with LIGO A+ for sufficiently loud events.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Machine learning approach to pattern recognition in nuclear dynamics from the ab initio symmetry-adapted no-core shell model

A novel machine learning approach is used to provide further insight into atomic nuclei and to detect orderly patterns amid a vast data of large-scale calculations. The method utilizes a neural network that is trained on ab initio results from the symmetry-adapted no-core shell model (SA-NCSM) for light nuclei. We show that the SA-NCSM, which expands ab initio applications up to medium-mass nuclei by using dominant symmetries of nuclear dynamics, can reach heavier nuclei when coupled with the machine learning approach. In particular, we find that a neural network trained on probability amplitudes for s- and p-shell nuclear wave functions not only predicts dominant configurations for heavier nuclei but in addition, when tested for the 20 Ne ground state, accurately reproduces the probability distribution. The non-negligible configurations predicted by the network provide an important input to the SA-NCSM for reducing ultralarge model spaces to manageable sizes that can be, in turn, utilized in SA-NCSM calculations to obtain accurate observables. The neural network is capable of describing nuclear deformation and is used to track the shape evolution along the 20-42 Mg isotopic chain, suggesting a shape coexistence that is more pronounced toward the very neutron-rich isotopes. We provide first descriptions of the structure and deformation of 24 Si and 40 Mg of interest to x-ray burst nucleosynthesis, and even of the extremely heavy nuclei such as 166,168 Er and 236 U, that build on first-principles considerations.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Lubrication of Machine Elements

The understanding of hydrodynamic lubrication began with the classical experiments of Tower and Petrov. Reynolds used a reduced form of the Navier-Stokes equations and the continuity equation to generate a second order differential equation for the pressure in the narrow, converging gap of a bearing contact. Such a pressure enables a load to be transmitted between the surfaces with very low friction since the surfaces are completely separated by a film of fluid. In such a situation it is the physical properties of the lubricant, notably the dynamic viscosity, that dictate the behavior of the contact. The understanding of boundary lubrication is normally attributed to Hardy and Doubleday. In boundary lubrication it is the physical and chemical properties of thin films of molecular proportions and the surfaces to which they are attached that determine contact behavior. The lubricant viscosity is not an influential parameter. Research is devoted to a better understanding and more precise definition of other lubrication regimes between these extremes. One such regime, elastohydrodynamic lubrication, occurs in nonconformal contacts, where the pressures are high and the bearing surfaces deform elastically. In this situation the viscosity of the lubricant may raise considerably, and this further assists the formation of an effective fluid film. The science of these three lubrication regimes (hydrodynamic, elastohydrodynamic, and boundary) are described and the manner in which this science is used in the design of machine elements is examined.

Hamrock, Bernard J.↗

The onset of alloying in Cu-Ni powders under high-shear consolidation

Friction consolidation (FC) is a solid phase processing methodology that densifies a material through high-shear deformation and pressure at elevated temperature. The method has garnered interest in the scientific community because of its ability to produce extremely refined and homogeneous microstructures, off-axis texture development, and improved material properties. This manuscript presents an investigation of Cu and Ni material mixing via evaluation of morphological evolution, grain boundary characterization, and compositional analysis to provide insights on the operational alloying mechanisms occurring under high shear and elevated temperature. Using correlative microscopy techniques, we show alloying progresses via a combination of grain boundary diffusion and interfacial roughening at heterophane boundaries. Evidence supporting Cu infiltration along Ni-Ni grain boundaries along with asymmetric diffusion of Cu into Ni grains is highlighted. The resultant, consolidated microstructure was produced directly from a powder compact in ~30 s and exhibited a submicron, equiaxed grain size.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Interlaminar Stresses by Refined Beam Theories and the Sinc Method Based on Interpolation of Highest Derivative

Computation of interlaminar stresses from the higher-order shear and normal deformable beam theory and the refined zigzag theory was performed using the Sinc method based on Interpolation of Highest Derivative. The Sinc method based on Interpolation of Highest Derivative was proposed as an efficient method for determining through-the-thickness variations of interlaminar stresses from one- and two-dimensional analysis by integration of the equilibrium equations of three-dimensional elasticity. However, the use of traditional equivalent single layer theories often results in inaccuracies near the boundaries and when the lamina have extremely large differences in material properties. Interlaminar stresses in symmetric cross-ply laminated beams were obtained by solving the higher-order shear and normal deformable beam theory and the refined zigzag theory with the Sinc method based on Interpolation of Highest Derivative. Interlaminar stresses and bending stresses from the present approach were compared with a detailed finite element solution obtained by ABAQUS/Standard. The results illustrate the ease with which the Sinc method based on Interpolation of Highest Derivative can be used to obtain the through-the-thickness distributions of interlaminar stresses from the beam theories. Moreover, the results indicate that the refined zigzag theory is a substantial improvement over the Timoshenko beam theory due to the piecewise continuous displacement field which more accurately represents interlaminar discontinuities in the strain field. The higher-order shear and normal deformable beam theory more accurately captures the interlaminar stresses at the ends of the beam because it allows transverse normal strain. However, the continuous nature of the displacement field requires a large number of monomial terms before the interlaminar stresses are computed as accurately as the refined zigzag theory.

Slemp, Wesley C. H.↗

Ion Implantation-Induced Plastic Phenomena in Metallic Alloys

Ion implantation is widely used for doping semiconductors or electroceramic materials and probing material behaviors in extreme radiation environments. However, implanted ions can induce compressive stresses into the host material, which can induce plasticity and mesoscopic deformation. However, these phenomena have almost exclusively been observed in brittle ionic and/or covalently bonded materials. Here, in this study, we present transmission electron microscopy observations of unusual implantation-induced plasticity in two metallic alloys. First, Fe 2+ ions induce dislocation plasticity below the implanted layer in a model Fe-P alloy. Next, He+ ions form pressurized cavities which activate the fcc-to-hcp strain-induced martensitic transformation in Alloy 625. In both cases, the plasticity can be explained by a combination of implanted ions being incorporated into the lattice and the creation of irradiation defects. These findings have significant implications for mechanical testing of ion-implanted layers, while also opening pathways for using ion implantation to tune stress distributions in metallic alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Optical Measurement Techniques for Rocket Engine Testing and Component Applications: Digital Image Correlation and Dynamic Photogrammetry

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has been advancing dynamic optical measurement systems, primarily Digital Image Correlation, for extreme environment rocket engine test applications. The Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technology is used to track local and full field deformations, displacement vectors and local and global strain measurements. This technology has been evaluated at MSFC through lab testing to full scale hotfire engine testing of the J-2X Upper Stage engine at Stennis Space Center. It has been shown to provide reliable measurement data and has replaced many traditional measurement techniques for NASA applications. NASA and AMRDEC have recently signed agreements for NASA to train and transition the technology to applications for missile and helicopter testing. This presentation will provide an overview and progression of the technology, various testing applications at NASA MSFC, overview of Army-NASA test collaborations and application lessons learned about Digital Image Correlation.

Gradl, Paul↗

Nucleation and growth of voids in shock loaded copper bicrystals

Understanding the evolution of damage and deformation due to spall at grain boundaries can provide a basis for connecting micro- to macroscale failure behavior in metals under extreme conditions. Copper bicrystal samples were shock loaded using flyer-plate impacts in a light gas gun with shock stresses ranging from 3 to 6 GPa. Pulse duration as well as crystal orientation along the shock direction were varied for a fixed boundary misorientation to determine their effects on void nucleation and coalescence. Samples were soft recovered and cross-sectioned to characterize damage using electron backscattering diffraction and scanning electron microscopy to gather information on damage characteristics at and around the GB, with emphasis on growth of boundary and bulk voids. Chemistry and composition analysis were also performed on samples to determine if trace elements present in a sample affected the threshold for void nucleation. Results show that the kinetics of damage growth at the boundary are strongly affected by stress level and impurities. It was found that the boundary selected had a similar or even lower tendency to show damage than the bulk at low pulse durations and amplitudes. As pulse duration and amplitude increased damage localized at the boundary, which was found to consist of many small voids, indicating that the boundary experienced rapid void nucleation and coalescence. Furthermore, the presence of impurities correlated strongly with scatter on damage evolution.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Nanoindentation’s imprint on an advanced society: Toward application conditions at the extremes

Abstract As society strives for a more sustainable future, key technologies depend on advanced materials development. Nanoindentation enables highly localized nanoscale measurement of mechanical properties, crucial for optimizing the performance of functional materials. Coupled with chemical charging, variable temperatures, or high deformation speeds, it offers insights into pressing materials science challenges necessary for sustainable energy transitions. This article explores the role of nanoindentation in advancing vital next-generation technologies. Graphical abstract

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Correcting for digital image correlation speckle inversion at high temperature using color cameras

Digital image correlation (DIC) is a popular, noncontacting technique to measure full-field deformation by using cameras to track the motion of an applied surface pattern. Because it is noncontacting, DIC can be performed for extreme temperature applications (e.g., hot-fire rocket testing of carbon composite rocket nozzles) under harsh conditions during which bonded gauges are damaged. Speckle pattern inversion is a phenomenon that sometimes occurs while performing high-temperature DIC. During speckle pattern inversion, portions of the surface pattern that were initially darker at room temperature (e.g., graphite) may emit more light due to blackbody radiation than the portions that were initially paler, thereby producing images in which the pattern appears inverted at high temperature relative to the initial pattern at room temperature. This phenomenon can prevent the correlation algorithm from being able to resolve the displacements between images. This work compares three methods to mitigate speckle pattern inversion: (A) the subtraction method, a recently-published technique in which two high-temperature images are subtracted to remove unwanted light; (B) the filtering method, a popular technique in which optical bandpass filters screen out unwanted light; and (C) the histogram rescaling method, a proposed new method that pairs a color camera with a blue light source and uses information from the green sensor of the camera to correct against inversion in the blue sensor through postprocessing. The histogram rescaling method is shown to successfully eliminate speckle pattern inversion and has the added advantages that it does not require quasi-static loading to be able to compensate for speckle pattern inversion, nor does it impose thick-glass distortions caused by the optical filter.

Rowley, Lindsey J.↗

Predicting Flutter and Forced Response in Turbomachinery

TURBO-AE is a computer code that enables detailed, high-fidelity modeling of aeroelastic and unsteady aerodynamic characteristics for prediction of flutter, forced response, and blade-row interaction effects in turbomachinery. Flow regimes that can be modeled include subsonic, transonic, and supersonic, with attached and/or separated flow fields. The three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are solved numerically to obtain extremely accurate descriptions of unsteady flow fields in multistage turbomachinery configurations. Blade vibration is simulated by use of a dynamic-grid-deformation technique to calculate the energy exchange for determining the aerodynamic damping of vibrations of blades. The aerodynamic damping can be used to assess the stability of a blade row. TURBO-AE also calculates the unsteady blade loading attributable to such external sources of excitation as incoming gusts and blade-row interactions. These blade loadings, along with aerodynamic damping, are used to calculate the forced responses of blades to predict their fatigue lives. Phase-lagged boundary conditions based on the direct-store method are used to calculate nonzero interblade phase-angle oscillations; this practice eliminates the need to model multiple blade passages, and, hence, enables large savings in computational resources.

VanZante, Dale E.↗

BUCKLING OF A SPHERE OF EXTREMELY HIGH RADIUS-THICKNESS RATIO

Proposed passive communications satellites are ultrathin-walled spherical shells which may experience buckling from external pressure due to solar radiation or atmospheric drag. Large buckling deformations of such a satellite are undesirable because they seriously reduce the satellite’s performance as a reflector. At present, shell buckling technology is lacking in several respects with regard to design of spherical shells subjected to external pressure. Large discrepancies exist between theoretical and experimental buckling pressure; therefore, the designer must be guided primarily by experimental data. However, very little experimental data on complete spheres are available; the primary research effort has been concerned with shallow spherical caps. All available experimental data are for radius-thickness ratios several orders of magnitude smaller than that for the proposed satellites. In order to provide a basis for estimating the buckling strength of these satellites, therefore, buckling experiments were conducted on a complete spherical shell having a radius-thickness ratio of about 85,000. This value is much higher than that of any spherical cap or complete sphere used in previously reported experiments.

SHELL STABILITY↗

Effects on post-glacial rebound from the hard rheology in the transition zone

The effect of an increase of viscosity in the earth-mantle's transition zone between 420 and 670 km on the geophysical signatures induced by postglacial rebound was analyzed using a self-gravitating model consisting of an elastic lithosphere, a three-layer viscoelastic mantle, and an inviscid core. Results show that the horizontal displacements and velocities as well as the stress pattern are extremely sensitive to the viscosity increase and to the chemical stratification of the transition zone. The findings indicate that geodetic data on intraplate deformation can be used to put constraints on the viscosity increase in the transition zone and on the amount of chemical stratification in the mantle.

Spada, Giorgio↗

Effect of Temperature Cycling and Exposure to Extreme Temperatures on Reliability of Solid Tantalum Capacitors

In this work, results of multiple temperature cycling (TC) (up to 1,000 cycles) of different types of solid tantalum capacitors are analyzed and reported. Deformation of chip tantalum during temperature variations simulating reflow soldering conditions was measured to evaluate the possibility of the pop-corning effect in the parts. To simulate the effect of short-time exposures to solder reflow temperatures on the reliability of tantalum capacitors, several part types were subjected to multiple cycles (up to 100) between room temperature and 240 C with periodical measurements of electrical characteristics of the parts. Mechanisms of degradation caused by temperature cycling and exposure to high temperatures, and the requirements of MIL-PRF-55365 for assessment of the resistance of the parts to soldering heat are discussed.

Teverovsky, Alexander↗

Deformation, dislocation evolution and the non-Schmid effect in body-centered-cubic single- and polycrystal tantalum

A physically-informed continuum crystal plasticity model is presented to elucidate deformation mechanisms, dislocation evolution and the non-Schmid effect in body-centered-cubic (bcc) tantalum widely used as a key structural material for mechanical and thermal extremes. We show the unified structural modeling framework informed by mesoscopic dislocation dynamics simulations is capable of capturing salient features of the large inelastic behavior of tantalum at quasi-static (10 -3 s -1 ) to extreme strain rates (5000 s -1 ) and at low (77 K) to high temperatures (873 K) at both single- and polycrystal levels. Here we also present predictive capabilities of the model for microstructural evolution in the material. To this end, we investigate the effects of dislocation interactions on slip activities, instability and the non-Schmid behavior at the single crystal level. Furthermore, ex situ measurements on crystallographic texture evolution and dislocation density growth are carried out for polycrystal tantalum specimens at increasing strains. Numerical simulation results also support that the modeling framework is capable of capturing the main features of the polycrystal behavior over a wide range of strains, strain rates and temperatures. The theoretical, experimental and numerical results at both single- and polycrystal levels provide critical insight into the underlying physical pictures for micro- and macroscopic responses and their relations in this important class of refractory bcc materials undergoing large inelastic deformations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Constitutive Relation in Transitional Granular Flows

To study the constitutive behavior of granular materials, the presence of gravity is detrimental. Although empirical relations have been obtained for engineering designs to control granular flows on Earth, it is not known how well these Earthbound relations can be used in another gravity field. Fundamental understanding must be derived to reliably design for granular flows in space exploration. There are two extremes of granular flows of which significant amount of knowledge is available. One deals with a dense and quasi-static situation where the deformation rate nearly vanishes. The other deals with dilute and rapidly fluctuating grain velocities where particle inertia dominates. This project, funded by the NASA Microgravity Fluid Physics Program, aims to study this transitional regime via physical experiments and computer simulations. A conceptual model has been established as described below. There are two natural time scales in a granular flow. One is the travel time between two consecutive collisions and the other is the duration of a collision contact. At a very low shear-rate, the shear-induced particle velocity is low. Hence the travel time between collisions is longer than the contact time between colliding particles. Binary collisions prevail. As the shear-rate increases, the traveling time between collisions reduces and the probability of multiple collisions goes up. These particle groups disperse shortly after and new groups form. When shear-rate is further increased, clusters grow in size due to an increasing chance for free particles to join before groups have the time to disperse. The maximum cluster size may depend on the global concentration and material properties. As the solid concentration approaches zero, the cluster size goes to one particle diameter. The maximum possible cluster size under any condition is the container size, provided that the shear flow is inside a container. The critical shear-rates that dictate the initiation of the multiple contacts, and the size and lifetime of the collision clusters, are functions of the concentration also. A 'regime' theory has been proposed by Babic et al. This theory suggested that both the solid concentration, C, and the non-dimensional shear-rate, B, are important in determining the regimes of the granular constitutive law. Additional information is included in the original extended abstract.

Shen, Hayley H.↗

A Multiphysics Multiscale Simulation Platform for Damage, Environmental Degradation, and Life Prediction of CMCs in Extreme Environments

This project successfully developed a multiphysics, multiscale computational framework to enhance the design and development of CMCs, with a focus on modeling highly nonlinear, time-dependent damage mechanisms and material degradation under extreme conditions, such as those experienced in turbine service environments. The project made significant advances in improving our understanding of progressive damage, oxidative degradation, and time-dependent inelastic deformation in CMCs, with particular attention to the role of uncertainties in predictions. Key outcomes include the integration of advanced material characterization, uncertainty quantification, and multiphysics constitutive models to predict the behavior of CMCs over their service life. A novel multiscale methodology was employed, which integrated microscale constituent behaviors with structural-scale responses, enabling the manufacturing defects in the microstructure that are prone to damage nucleation. Through the development of DL algorithms, the project advanced the prediction of damage initiation and crack propagation, taking into account the defect morphology and statistical variations across multiple scales. The framework was rigorously validated using thermomechanical experiments, which tested CMCs under various mechanical loadings at elevated temperatures, further enhancing the model's predictive capability. Overall, the research outcomes have provided a more accurate, reliable method for predicting CMC component life, significantly advancing material design, and improving component reliability in extreme environments. This work has strong implications for the optimization of turbine components and other high-performance applications where CMCs are used.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

Static Indentation Load Capacity of the Superelastic 60NiTi for Rolling Element Bearings

The nickel-rich, binary nickel-titanium alloys, such as 60NiTi (60Ni-40Ti by wt%), are emerging as viable materials for use in mechanical components like rolling element bearings and gears. 60NiTi is a superelastic material that simultaneously exhibits high hardness and a relatively low elastic modulus (approx.100 GPa). These properties result in the potential to endure extremely high indentation loads such as those encountered in bearings, gears and other mechanical components. In such applications, quantifying the load that results in permanent deformation that can affect component performance and life is important. In this paper, the static load capacity is measured by conducting indentation experiments in which 12.7 mm diameter balls made from the ceramic Si3N4 are pressed into highly polished, hardened 60NiTi flat plates. Hertz stress calculations are used to estimate contact stress. The results show that the 60NiTi surface can withstand an approximately 3400 kN load before significant denting (>0.6 microns deep) occurs. This load capacity is approximately twice that of high performance bearing steels suggesting that the potential exists to make highly resilient bearings and components from such materials.

DellaCorte, Christopher↗