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At least 145 records · Page 8

Case histories involving fatigue and fracture mechanics; Proceedings of the Symposium, Charleston, SC, Mar. 21, 22, 1985

Papers are presented on cracking at nozzle corners in the nuclear pressure vessel industry, applied fracture mechanics for assessing defect significance in a crude oil pipeline, failure analysis of a large wind-tunnel compressor blade, analysis of a compressor-wheel failure, and preventing fracture by inspection and analysis. Consideration is also given to the fatigue crack growth predictions of welded aircraft structures containing flaws in the residual stress field, the fatigue and fracture mechanics analysis of a compression loaded aircraft structure, fracture of an aircraft horizontal stabilizer, fatigue life analysis of fuel tank skins under combined loads, and aircraft structural maintenance recommendations based on fracture mechanics analysis. Additional papers discuss an analysis of two metal-forming die failures, an analysis of a failed saw arbor, and the role of fracture mechanics in assessing the effect on fatigue life of design changes in welded fabrications.

Hudson, C. Michael↗

Temperature-Dependent Effects on the Mechanical Behavior and Deformation Substructure of Haynes 188 Under Low-Cycle Fatigue

The mechanical behavior of a cobalt-nickel-chromium-tungsten superalloy, Haynes 188, is being critically examined at the NASA Lewis Research Center. This dynamic, strain-aging (DSA) alloy is used for combustor liners in many military and commercial aircraft turbine engines and for the liquid oxygen posts in the main injectors of the space shuttle main engine. Its attractive features include a good combination of high monotonic yield and tensile strength, and excellent fabricability, weldability, and resistance to high-temperature oxidation for prolonged exposures.

Source record↗

Effect of Cyclic Thermo-Mechanical Loads on Fatigue Reliability in Polymer Matrix Composites

A methodology to compute probabilistic fatigue life of polymer matrix laminated composites has been developed and demonstrated. Matrix degradation effects caused by long term environmental exposure and mechanical/thermal cyclic loads are accounted for in the simulation process. A unified time-temperature-stress dependent multi-factor interaction relationship developed at NASA Lewis Research Center has been used to model the degradation/aging of material properties due to cyclic loads. The fast probability integration method is used to compute probabilistic distribution of response. Sensitivities of fatigue life reliability to uncertainties in the primitive random variables (e.g., constituent properties, fiber volume ratio, void volume ratio, ply thickness, etc.) computed and their significance in the reliability- based design for maximum life is discussed. The effect of variation in the thermal cyclic loads on the fatigue reliability for a (0/+/- 45/90)(sub s) graphite/epoxy laminate with a ply thickness of 0.127 mm, with respect to impending failure modes has been studied. The results show that, at low mechanical cyclic loads and low thermal cyclic amplitudes, fatigue life for 0.999 reliability is most sensitive to matrix compressive strength, matrix modulus, thermal expansion coefficient, and ply thickness. Whereas at high mechanical cyclic loads and high thermal cyclic amplitudes, fatigue life at 0.999 reliability is more sensitive to the shear strength of matrix, longitudinal fiber modulus, matrix modulus, and ply thickness.

Shah, A. R.↗

Fatigue damage growth mechanisms in continuous fiber reinforced titanium matrix composites

The role of fiber/matrix interface strength, residual thermal stresses, and fiber and matrix properties on fatigue damage accumulation in continuous fiber metal matrix composites (MMC) is discussed. Results from titanium matrix silicon carbide fiber composites is the primary topic of discussion. Results were obtained from both notched and unnotched specimens at room and elevated temperatures. The stress in the 0 deg fibers was identified as the controlling factor in fatigue life. Fatigue of the notched specimens indicated that cracks can grow in the matrix materials without breaking fibers.

Johnson, W. S.↗

Fatigue damage growth mechanisms in continuous fiber reinforced titanium matrix composites

The role of fiber/matrix interface strength, residual thermal stresses, and fiber and matrix properties on fatigue damage accumulation in continuous fiber metal matrix composites (MMC) will be discussed. Results from titanium matrix/silicon-carbide fiber composites will be the primary topic of discussion. Results have been obtained from both notched and unnotched specimens at room and elevated temperatures. The stress in the 0 deg fibers has been indentified as the controlling factor in fatigue life. Fatigue of the notched specimens indicated that cracks can grow many fiber spacings in the matrix materials without breaking fibers.

Johnson, W. S.↗

Advances in Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics Analyses for Aircraft Structures

This paper reviews some of the advances that have been made in stress analyses of cracked aircraft components, in the understanding of the fatigue and fatigue-crack growth process, and in the prediction of residual strength of complex aircraft structures with widespread fatigue damage. Finite-element analyses of cracked structures are now used to determine accurate stress-intensity factors for cracks at structural details. Observations of small-crack behavior at open and rivet-loaded holes and the development of small-crack theory has lead to the prediction of stress-life behavior for components with stress concentrations under aircraft spectrum loading. Fatigue-crack growth under simulated aircraft spectra can now be predicted with the crack-closure concept. Residual strength of cracked panels with severe out-of-plane deformations (buckling) in the presence of stiffeners and multiple-site damage can be predicted with advanced elastic-plastic finite-element analyses and the critical crack-tip-opening angle (CTOA) fracture criterion. These advances are helping to assure continued safety of aircraft structures.

Newman, J. C., Jr.↗

Advances in Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics Analyses for Metallic Aircraft Structures

This paper reviews some of the advances that have been made in stress analyses of cracked aircraft components, in the understanding of the fatigue and fatigue-crack growth process, and in the prediction of residual strength of complex aircraft structures with widespread fatigue damage. Finite-element analyses of cracked metallic structures are now used to determine accurate stress-intensity factors for cracks at structural details. Observations of small-crack behavior at open and rivet-loaded holes and the development of small-crack theory has lead to the prediction of stress-life behavior for components with stress concentrations under aircraft spectrum loading. Fatigue-crack growth under simulated aircraft spectra can now be predicted with the crack-closure concept. Residual strength of cracked panels with severe out-of-plane deformations (buckling) in the presence of stiffeners and multiple-site damage can be predicted with advanced elastic-plastic finite-element analyses and the critical crack-tip-opening angle (CTOA) fracture criterion. These advances are helping to assure continued safety of aircraft structures.

Newman, J. C., Jr.↗

Measurement and analysis of critical crack tip processes during fatigue crack growth

The mechanics of fatigue crack growth under constant-amplitudes and variable-amplitude loading were examined. Critical loading histories involving relatively simple overload and overload/underload cycles were studied to provide a basic understanding of the underlying physical processes controlling crack growth. The material used for this study was 7091-T7E69, a powder metallurgy aluminum alloy. Local crack-tip parameters were measured at various times before, during, and after the overloads, these include crack-tip opening loads and displacements, and crack-tip strain fields. The latter were useed, in combination with the materials cyclic and monotonic stress-strain properties, to compute crack-tip residual stresses. The experimental results are also compared with analytical predictions obtained using the FAST-2 computer code. The sensitivity of the analytical model to constant-amplitude fatigue crack growth rate properties and to through-thickness constrain are studied.

Davidson, D. L.↗

Ultrasonic and mechanical characterizations of fatigue states of graphite epoxy composite laminates

Eight-ply (0, + or - 45, 0)s laminates of Hercules AS/3501-6 graphite epoxy composite are fabricated using various cure pressures ranging from 0.52 to 0.86 MPa and cure temperatures ranging from 150 C to 200 C. In general, the minimum composite void volume fraction is obtained at a cure temperature of 175 C and a cure pressure of 0.86 MPa, or at 200 C and 0.86 MPa. The ultrasonic attenuation at 4 MHz was found to correlate with the composite void volume fraction. Composite specimens were tested in flexural fatigue. Beyond 10,000 fatigue cycles, the ultrasonic attenuation at 4 MHz was found to increase and the flexural stiffness was found to decrease. The ultrasonic attenuation at 4 MHz of the as-fabricated composite can be correlated with the number of fatigue cycles to failure.

Williams, J. H., Jr.↗

Ultrasonic and mechanical characterizations of fatigue states of graphite epoxy composite laminates

Results of an exploration of the relationship between ultrasonic attenuation and fatigue survivability of graphite fiber epoxy composites fabricated under different cure conditions are reported. A total of 9 27 x 40 cm eight-ply graphite epoxy laminated specimens were formed, and fatigue tests were run on five partial samples at 73.5 N varying at 30 Hz, with tests ending at a 1.27 cm deflection. A pulsed oscillator generated sinusoidal waves and transducers recorded the passage of the ultrasonic waves for display on oscilloscopes. Cure pressures ranged from 0.52-0.85 MPa and cure temperatures were in the 150-200 C interval. Ultrasonic through-transmission at 4 MHz was performed prior to and during fatigue testing. The minimum void volume fraction occurred at 175 C and 0.86 MPa. The flexural stiffness decreased with the number of fatigue cycles past 10,000, when the attenuation also increased. Correlations were found between the 4.0 MHz signal attenuation and the void volume fraction, and between the number of fatigue cycles to failure and the 4.0 MHz signal attenuation.

Williams, J. H., Jr.↗

Three-dimensional measurements of fatigue crack closure

Three dimensional fatigue crack opening profiles in transparent polymer test specimens were determined. The load required to separate crack faces was measured along the crack profile at various positions through the specimens thickness. Crack opening loads at the specimen surface (under plane stress conditions) were compared with measurements made under plane strain conditions the specimen interior. The fatigue crack opening load was correlated with fatigue crack retardation behavior caused by peak overloads, and the results discussed in terms of three dimensional aspects of the fatigue crack closure mechanism for fatigue crack retardation.

Grandt, A. F., Jr.↗

Probabilistic material degradation model for aerospace materials subjected to high temperature, mechanical and thermal fatigue, and creep

A probabilistic general material strength degradation model has been developed for structural components of aerospace propulsion systems subjected to diverse random effects. The model has been implemented in two FORTRAN programs, PROMISS (Probabilistic Material Strength Simulator) and PROMISC (Probabilistic Material Strength Calibrator). PROMISS calculates the random lifetime strength of an aerospace propulsion component due to as many as eighteen diverse random effects. Results are presented in the form of probability density functions and cumulative distribution functions of lifetime strength. PROMISC calibrates the model by calculating the values of empirical material constants.

Boyce, L.↗

Thermal-Fatigue Crack-Growth Characteristics and Mechanical Strain Cycling Behavior of A-286 Discaloy, and 16-25-6 Austenitic Steels

Thermal-fatigue crack-growth characteristics of notched- and unnotched-disk specimens of A-286, Discaloy, hot-cold worked 16-25-6, and overaged 16-25-6 were experimentally studied. Separately controlled variables were total strain range (0.0043 to 0.0079 in./in.), maximum cycle temperature (1300 and 1100 F), and hold time at maximum temperature (O and 5 min). A limited number of mechanical, push-pull, constant-strain cycle tests at room temperature were made using notched and un-notched bars of the same materials. In these tests the number of cycles to failure as well as the variation of load change with accumulated cycles was measured, and the effects of mean stress were observed. Constant-strain-range mechanical-fatigue tests at room temperature revealed notched-bar fatigue life to be strongly influenced by mean stress. For a specific strain range, the longest fatigue life was always found to be associated with the least-tensile (or most compressive) mean stress. By defining thermal-fatigue life as the number of cycles required to produce a crack area of 6000 square mils, the relative thermal-fatigue resistances of the test materials were established. Notched-disk specimens of A-286 and Discaloy steels exhibited longer fatigue lives than either hot-cold worked or overaged 16-25-6. On the other hand, unnotched-disk specimens of Discaloy and hot-cold worked 16-25-6 had longer lives than A-286 and overaged 16-25-6. Separation of the crack-growth data into microstage and macrostage periods revealed that the macrostage period accounted for the greatest part of the difference among materials when tested in the notched configuration, while the microstage was largely responsible for the differences encountered in unnotched disks.

Smith, Robert W.↗

Mechanisms of High-Temperature Fatigue Failure in Alloy 800H

The damage mechanisms influencing the axial strain-controlled Low-Cycle Fatigue (LCF) behavior of alloy 800H at 850 C have been evaluated under conditions of equal tension/compression ramp rates (Fast-Fast (F-F): 4 X 10(sup -3)/s and Slow-Slow (S-S): 4 X 10(sup -5)/s) and asymmetrical ramp rates (Fast-Slow (F-S): 4 x 10(sup -3)/s / 4 X 10(sup -5/s and Slow-Fast (S-F): 4 X 10(sup -5) / 4 X 10(sup -3)/s) in tension and compression. The fatigue life, cyclic stress response, and fracture modes were significantly influenced by the waveform shape. The fatigue lives displayed by different loading conditions were in the following order: F-F greater than S-S greater than F-S greater than S-F. The fracture mode was dictated by the ramp rate adopted in the tensile direction. The fast ramp rate in the tensile direction led to the occurrence of transgranular crack initiation and propagation, whereas the slow ramp rate caused intergranular initiation and propagation. The time-dependent processes and their synergistic interactions, which were at the basis of observed changes in cyclic stress response and fatigue life, were identified. Oxidation, creep damage, dynamic strain aging, massive carbide precipitation, time-dependent creep deformation, and deformation ratcheting were among the several factors influencing cyclic life. Irrespective of the loading condition, the largest effect on life was exerted by oxidation processes. Deformation ratcheting had its greatest influence on life under asymmetrical loading conditions. Creep damage accumulated the greatest amount during the slow tensile ramp under S-F conditions.

BhanuSankaraRao, K.↗