Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “progressive failure analysis”

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

Modeling Progressive Failure of Bonded Joints Using a Single Joint Finite Element

Enhanced finite elements are elements with an embedded analytical solution which can capture detailed local fields, enabling more efficient, mesh-independent finite element analysis. In the present study, an enhanced finite element is applied to generate a general framework capable of modeling an array of joint types. The joint field equations are derived using the principle of minimum potential energy, and the resulting solutions for the displacement fields are used to generate shape functions and a stiffness matrix for a single joint finite element. This single finite element thus captures the detailed stress and strain fields within the bonded joint, but it can function within a broader structural finite element model. The costs associated with a fine mesh of the joint can thus be avoided while still obtaining a detailed solution for the joint. Additionally, the capability to model non-linear adhesive constitutive behavior has been included within the method, and progressive failure of the adhesive can be modeled by using a strain-based failure criteria and re-sizing the joint as the adhesive fails. Results of the model compare favorably with experimental and finite element results.

Stapleton, Scott E.↗

Stage Separation Failure: Model Based Diagnostics and Prognostics

Safety of the next-generation space flight vehicles requires development of an in-flight Failure Detection and Prognostic (FD&P) system. Development of such system is challenging task that involves analysis of many hard hitting engineering problems across the board. In this paper we report progress in the development of FD&P for the re-contact fault between upper stage nozzle and the inter-stage caused by the first stage and upper stage separation failure. A high-fidelity models and analytical estimations are applied to analyze the following sequence of events: (i) structural dynamics of the nozzle extension during the impact; (ii) structural stability of the deformed nozzle in the presence of the pressure and temperature loads induced by the hot gas flow during engine start up; and (iii) the fault induced thrust changes in the steady burning regime. The diagnostic is based on the measurements of the impact torque. The prognostic is based on the analysis of the correlation between the actuator signal and fault-induced changes in the nozzle structural stability and thrust.

Luchinsky, Dmitry↗

Recent developments of the NESSUS probabilistic structural analysis computer program

The NESSUS probabilistic structural analysis computer program combines state-of-the-art probabilistic algorithms with general purpose structural analysis methods to compute the probabilistic response and the reliability of engineering structures. Uncertainty in loading, material properties, geometry, boundary conditions and initial conditions can be simulated. The structural analysis methods include nonlinear finite element and boundary element methods. Several probabilistic algorithms are available such as the advanced mean value method and the adaptive importance sampling method. The scope of the code has recently been expanded to include probabilistic life and fatigue prediction of structures in terms of component and system reliability and risk analysis of structures considering cost of failure. The code is currently being extended to structural reliability considering progressive crack propagation. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the new capabilities.

Millwater, H.↗

Progressive fracture of fiber composites

Refined models and procedures are described for determining progressive composite fracture in graphite/epoxy angleplied laminates. Unique Lewis Research Center capabilities are utilized including the Real-Time Ultrasonic C-San (RUSCAN) experimental facility and the Composite Durability Structural Analysis (CODSTRAN) computer code. CODSTRAN is used to predict the fracture progression based on composite mechanics, finite element stress analysis, and fracture criteria modules. The RUSCAN facility, CODSTRAN computer code, and scanning electron microscope are used to determine durability and identify failure mechanisms in graphite/epoxy coomposites. Results indicate that RUSCAN/CODSTRAN is an effective method of Studying progressive fracture of composites.

Irvine, T. B.↗

FEA-Based Failure Analysis of Post-Buckled Composite Multi-Hat Stiffened Panel Under Static Compression

The aerospace industry uses composite multi-hat stiffened panels for skins because of their high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios. However, laminated composites with initial flaws are susceptible to delamination under buckling loads. The goal is to ensure damage initiation occurs past the buckled state, only stable damage progression at loads below the ultimate compressive load, and debonding failure past the ultimate compressive load. This approach reduces weight and addresses a potential design review for future aircraft repairs. The need exists to better understand damage initiation and growth mechanisms in composite structures while assisting in the design, analysis, and sustainment methods. Teflon inserts simulate damage defects during manufacturing, while barely visible impact helps capture human error during manufacturing. This work shows the interaction between the skin-stringer and ply-ply separations at the post-buckled state for both defect events using Abaqus Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT). The initial configuration for the Teflon case was to leave the Teflon region unbonded, and the initial impact damage region approximation came from the experimental data and was considered the initial configuration. When compared against the experimental data produced through the NASA Advanced Composites Project (ACP), the present model captured damage transition from skin-hat to ply1-ply2. The model validations were within ~5% of the experimental data.

composite↗

Adaptive Shape Functions and Internal Mesh Adaptation for Modelling Progressive Failure in Adhesively Bonded Joints

Enhanced finite elements are elements with an embedded analytical solution that can capture detailed local fields, enabling more efficient, mesh independent finite element analysis. The shape functions are determined based on the analytical model rather than prescribed. This method was applied to adhesively bonded joints to model joint behavior with one element through the thickness. This study demonstrates two methods of maintaining the fidelity of such elements during adhesive non-linearity and cracking without increasing the mesh needed for an accurate solution. The first method uses adaptive shape functions, where the shape functions are recalculated at each load step based on the softening of the adhesive. The second method is internal mesh adaption, where cracking of the adhesive within an element is captured by further discretizing the element internally to represent the partially cracked geometry. By keeping mesh adaptations within an element, a finer mesh can be used during the analysis without affecting the global finite element model mesh. Examples are shown which highlight when each method is most effective in reducing the number of elements needed to capture adhesive nonlinearity and cracking. These methods are validated against analogous finite element models utilizing cohesive zone elements.

computational mechanics↗

Failure of composite plates under static biaxial planar loading

The project involved detailed investigations into the failure mechanisms in composite plates as a function of hole size (holes centrally located in the plates) under static loading. There were two phases to the project, the first dealing with uniaxial loads along the fiber direction, and the second dealing with coplanar biaxial loading. Results for the uniaxial tests have been reported and published previously, thus this report will place emphasis on the second phase of the project, namely the biaxial tests. The composite plates used in the biaxial loading experiments, as well as the uniaxial, were composed of a single ply unidirectional graphite/epoxy prepreg sandwiched between two layers of transparent thermoplastic. This setup enabled us to examine the failure initiation and propagation modes nondestructively, during the test. Currently, similar tests and analysis of results are in progress for graphite/epoxy cruciform shaped flat laminates. The results obtained from these tests will be available at a later time.

Waas, Anthony M.↗

Novel composites for wing and fuselage applications

Probabilistic predictions based on the IPACS code are presented for the material and structural response of unnotched and notched, IM6/3501-6 Gr/Ep laminates. Comparisons of predicted and measured modulus and strength distributions are given for unnotched unidirectional, cross-ply and quasi-isotropic laminates. The predicted modulus distributions were found to correlate well with the test results for all three unnotched laminates. Correlations of strength distributions for the unnotched laminates are judged good for the unidirectional laminate and fair for the cross-ply laminate, whereas the strength correlation for the quasi-isotropic laminate is judged poor because IPACS did not have a progressive failure capability at the time this work was performed. The report also presents probabilistic and structural reliability analysis predictions for the strain concentration factor (SCF) for an open-hole, quasi-isotropic laminate subjected to longitudinal tension. A special procedure was developed to adapt IPACS for the structural reliability analysis. The reliability results show the importance of identifying the most significant random variables upon which the SCF depends, and of having accurate scatter values for these variables.

Sobel, L. H.↗

NASA ACC High Energy Dynamic Impact Methodology and Outcomes

For High Energy Dynamic Impact (HEDI) events, testing to evaluate the structural response of primary aircraft structure for design and certification is both expensive and time consuming. This paper discusses current work seeking to assess, develop, and validate appropriate analytical models that accurately predict physical response, damage, and failure modes for large scale composite structures in HEDI events. Four state-of-the-art Progressive Damage Analysis (PDA) methods were employed for this phased project: LS-DYNA MAT162, LS-DYNA MAT261, Smoothed Particle Galerkin (SPG), and EMU Peridynamics. Multiple material systems were considered, namely T700/5208 textile-infusion triaxial braid, T800/AMD-825 textile-infusion triaxial braid, IM7/8552 uni-directional tape, and SPG 196-PW/8552 plain-weave fabric. Extensive ballistic impact testing was performed to support this activity and measured results were compared to predictive models for assessment using panel delamination, panel displacement, force at the load cells, and threshold velocity as measures. Ultimately, the work under this activity provided significant progress in advancing the state-of-the-art in the use of PDA for HEDI events. Each material model had favorable performance comparing to test in some parameters and needed improvement in others. With the lessons learned from this activity, significant progress was made in the ability to predict panel behavior for a more general case beyond the flat panel in a ballistic impact event. Subsequent Phase II of the NASA ACC HEDI effort will continue to build on the coupon testing, flat panel ballistic impact testing, and analysis performed to-date with application of the PDA methods for intended material selections to test articles with greater complexity of configuration, curvature, and scale. It is not the intention of this paper to present a full set of data, but rather to give an overview of the NASA HEDI effort and show a small representative subset of the test and analysis results.

Hunziker, Kenneth J.↗

High-Fidelity Computational Methodology for Stitched Composite Aerospace Structures

Due to the high demands for energy efficient commercial transportation, the aviation industry has taken a leading role in the integration of composite structures. Among the leading concepts to develop lighter, more fuel-efficient commercial transport is the Pultruded Rod Stitched Efficient Unitized Structure (PRSEUS) concept, an enabling technology for hybrid wing bodies. Many proof-of-concept tests have been performed to demonstrate that the use of PRSEUS has improved the residual strength of damaged structures compared to conventional composite structures, but efficient computational tools must be developed before the concept can be commercially certified and implemented. In an attempt to address the need for efficient computational tools, a comprehensive modeling approach is developed and applied to investigate applications of PRSEUS at multiple scales. Therefore, a computational methodology has been progressively developed based on physically realistic concepts. The focus of the work described herein is to define the modeling characteristics required to accurately simulate the damage progression and failure of PRSEUS at the coupon scale. The work herein is focused on the development and analysis of a PRSEUS stringer, the methodology for which may be extended to other PRSEUS coupons and components.

Brandon Horton↗

Investigation of Spiral Bevel Gear Condition Indicator Validation via AC-29-2C Combining Test Rig Damage Progression Data with Fielded Rotorcraft Data

This is the final of three reports published on the results of this project. In the first report, results were presented on nineteen tests performed in the NASA Glenn Spiral Bevel Gear Fatigue Test Rig on spiral bevel gear sets designed to simulate helicopter fielded failures. In the second report, fielded helicopter HUMS data from forty helicopters were processed with the same techniques that were applied to spiral bevel rig test data. Twenty of the forty helicopters experienced damage to the spiral bevel gears, while the other twenty helicopters had no known anomalies within the time frame of the datasets. In this report, results from the rig and helicopter data analysis will be compared for differences and similarities in condition indicator (CI) response. Observations and findings using sub-scale rig failure progression tests to validate helicopter gear condition indicators will be presented. In the helicopter, gear health monitoring data was measured when damage occurred and after the gear sets were replaced at two helicopter regimes. For the helicopters or tails, data was taken in the flat pitch ground 101 rotor speed (FPG101) regime. For nine tails, data was also taken at 120 knots true airspeed (120KTA) regime. In the test rig, gear sets were tested until damage initiated and progressed while gear health monitoring data and operational parameters were measured and tooth damage progression documented. For the rig tests, the gear speed was maintained at 3500RPM, a one hour run-in was performed at 4000 in-lb gear torque, than the torque was increased to 8000 in-lbs. The HUMS gear condition indicator data evaluated included Figure of Merit 4 (FM4), Root Mean Square (RMS) or Diagnostic Algorithm 1(DA1), + 3 Sideband Index (SI3) and + 1 Sideband Index (SI1). These were selected based on their sensitivity in detecting contact fatigue damage modes from analytical, experimental and historical helicopter data. For this report, the helicopter dataset was reduced to fourteen tails and the test rig data set was reduced to eight tested gear sets. The damage modes compared were separated into three cases. For case one, both the gear and pinion showed signs of contact fatigue or scuffing damage. For case two, only the pinion showed signs of contact fatigue damage or scuffing. Case three was limited to the gear tests when scuffing occurred immediately after the gear run-in. Results of this investigation highlighted the importance of understanding the complete monitored systems, for both the helicopter and test rig, before interpreting health monitoring data. Further work is required to better define these two systems that include better state awareness of the fielded systems, new sensing technologies, new experimental methods or models that quantify the effect of system design on CI response and new methods for setting thresholds that take into consideration the variance of each system.

spiral bevel gears↗

3013 Inner Container Closure Weld Region (ICCWR) Characterization by Wide Area 3D Measurement System (WAMS) Analysis (FY21 Progress Report)

As part of the 3013 Surveillance Program, through-wall penetration from stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of the 3013 inner containers has been identified as the most credible condition for failure withing the 50- years lifetime. Chlorides contained in Pu-bearing material, together with intra-canister humidity levels, metallurgical conditions, and internal stresses have been found to produce corrosion in the Inner Container Closure Weld Region (ICCWR) of the 3013 canister system. A Laser Confocal Microscope (LCM) is used as part of the 3013 Surveillance Program protocol to identify the prevalence of corrosion and corrosionrelated cracking in the ICCWR2. With the LCM, a close visual examination is made of the ICCWR surface along with measurements of corrosion-related features. LCM inspections produce immense amounts of image data that is time intensive to analyze. There is also a 9-year backlog of images, with approximately 49 canisters that must be evaluated. To expedite data analysis and reduce the amount of generated data, a Wide Area 3D Measurement System (WAMS) microscope has been added to the examination protocol. Although WAMS is a lower resolution microscope, small features of interest can be still identified. The advantage of collecting data for the full circumference using the WAMS is that it can take about 1/16 of the time needed with the LCM. Both systems offer capabilities that combined can be utilized to expedite the examination of the ICCWR. The WAMS is an efficient system for screening and identification of corrosion features while the LCM can be utilized to obtain higher resolution images areas identified by the WAMS. This report explains and justifies the data collection methods used with the WAMS. It includes a summary of the data generated by WAMS in FY21. The goals set for data collection in FY21 were met. A total of twenty-two DE’s were imaged, and analysis was carried out on eleven samples. The analyzed samples showed large numbers of potential cracks and pits distributed throughout the surfaces. Lastly, to explain the advantages of the WAMS, its capabilities were compared to those of a simpler microscope. Micrographs of the samples imaged in FY21 and those analyzed are included in the appendices.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Evaluation of LS-DYNA MAT162 for Modeling Composite Fastener Joints for High Rates of Loading

In the present work, the behavior of composite-fastener joints in bearing failure at dynamic stroke rates of 500 in/s, 300 in/s and 100 in/s has been evaluated through progressive damage analysis (PDA) material model in LS-DYNA, namely MAT162. Two joint types: titanium pin and Hi-Lok® fastener were analyzed to identify the differences between without and with preload conditions. A meso-level approach where each lamina was modeled separately was employed and a contact definition based on fracture toughness data was defined to represent composite delamination behavior. Test fixture had been modeled in a detailed manner to account for the dynamic effects and the simulation results were validated against experimental data. Preliminary test-analysis correlation indicated that MAT162 predicted results conservatively when compared to tests. Debris accumulation were observed to greatly affect the test results which were not considered in the current modelling strategies.

Kona, A.↗

Microcracking in composite laminates under thermal and mechanical loading

Composites used in space structures are exposed to both extremes in temperature and applied mechanical loads. Cracks in the matrix form, changing the laminate thermoelastic properties. The goal of the present investigation is to develop a predictive methodology to quantify microcracking in general composite laminates under both thermal and mechanical loading. This objective is successfully met through a combination of analytical modeling and experimental investigation. In the analysis, the stress and displacement distributions in the vicinity of a crack are determined using a shear lag model. These are incorporated into an energy based cracking criterion to determine the favorability of crack formation. A progressive damage algorithm allows the inclusion of material softening effects and temperature-dependent material properties. The analysis is implemented by a computer code which gives predicted crack density and degraded laminate properties as functions of any thermomechanical load history. Extensive experimentation provides verification of the analysis. AS4/3501-6 graphite/epoxy laminates are manufactured with three different layups to investigate ply thickness and orientation effects. Thermal specimens are cooled to progressively lower temperatures down to -184 C. After conditioning the specimens to each temperature, cracks are counted on their edges using optical microscopy and in their interiors by sanding to incremental depths. Tensile coupons are loaded monotonically to progressively higher loads until failure. Cracks are counted on the coupon edges after each loading. A data fit to all available results provides input parameters for the analysis and shows them to be material properties, independent of geometry and loading. Correlation between experiment and analysis is generally very good under both thermal and mechanical loading, showing the methodology to be a powerful, unified tool. Delayed crack initiation observed in a few cases is attributed to a lack of preexisting flaws assumed by the analysis. Some interactions between adjacent ply groups are attributed to local stress concentrations. These two effects are not captured by the analysis due to its global nature. The analysis is conservative in these cases and agrees well with data after the observed onset of cracking.

Maddocks, Jason R.↗

Testing and analysis of flat and curved panels with multiple cracks

An experimental and analytical investigation of multiple cracking in various types of test specimens is described in this paper. The testing phase is comprised of a flat unstiffened panel series and curved stiffened and unstiffened panel series. The test specimens contained various configurations for initial damage. Static loading was applied to these specimens until ultimate failure, while loads and crack propagation were recorded. This data provides the basis for developing and validating methodologies for predicting linkup of multiple cracks, progression to failure, and overall residual strength. The results from twelve flat coupon and ten full scale curved panel tests are presented. In addition, an engineering analysis procedure was developed to predict multiple crack linkup. Reasonable agreement was found between predictions and actual test results for linkup and residual strength for both flat and curved panels. The results indicate that an engineering analysis approach has the potential to quantitatively assess the effect of multiple cracks in the arrest capability of an aircraft fuselage structure.

Broek, David↗

Knowledge Representation Standards and Interchange Formats for Causal Graphs

In many domains, automated reasoning tools must represent graphs of causally linked events. These include fault-tree analysis, probabilistic risk assessment (PRA), planning, procedures, medical reasoning about disease progression, and functional architectures. Each of these fields has its own requirements for the representation of causation, events, actors and conditions. The representations include ontologies of function and cause, data dictionaries for causal dependency, failure and hazard, and interchange formats between some existing tools. In none of the domains has a generally accepted interchange format emerged. The paper makes progress towards interoperability across the wide range of causal analysis methodologies. We survey existing practice and emerging interchange formats in each of these fields. Setting forth a set of terms and concepts that are broadly shared across the domains, we examine the several ways in which current practice represents them. Some phenomena are difficult to represent or to analyze in several domains. These include mode transitions, reachability analysis, positive and negative feedback loops, conditions correlated but not causally linked and bimodal probability distributions. We work through examples and contrast the differing methods for addressing them. We detail recent work in knowledge interchange formats for causal trees in aerospace analysis applications in early design, safety and reliability. Several examples are discussed, with a particular focus on reachability analysis and mode transitions. We generalize the aerospace analysis work across the several other domains. We also recommend features and capabilities for the next generation of causal knowledge representation standards.

Throop, David R.↗

Progressive failure of structures

A procedure is presented for determining the nonlinear behavior of structures subjected to extreme loading and the possibility of development of potential for progressive failure. The methodology takes into account the effect of both material and geometric nonlinearities. At a given stage of analysis, the individual components of the structure are checked against predetermined failure criteria. Subsequently, the failing components are removed and the modified structure is analyzed for overall failure. Examples, obtained from a computer program based on the proposed procedure, showing the applicability of the method are presented.

Khozeimeh, K.↗

SRM Internal Flow Tests and Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis: Titan, ASRM, and Subscale Motor Analyses - Volume 3

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis has been performed on the aft slot region of the Titan 4 Solid Rocket Motor Upgrade (SRMU). This analysis was performed in conjunction with MSFC structural modeling of the propellant grain to determine if the flow field induced stresses would adversely alter the propellant geometry to the extent of causing motor failure. The results of the coupled CFD/stress analysis have shown that there is a continual increase of flow field resistance at the aft slot due to the aft segment propellant grain being progressively moved radially toward the centerline of the motor port. This 'bootstrapping' effect between grain radial movement and internal flow resistance is conducive to causing a rapid motor failure.

Source record↗