Search NASASearch

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “ELASTIC PROPERTY”

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 163 records · Page 9

How Molecular Structure Affects Mechanical Properties of an Advanced Polymer

density was performed over a range of temperatures below the glass transition temperature. The physical characterization, elastic properties and notched tensile strength all as a function of molecular weight and test temperature were determined. For the uncrosslinked SI material, it was shown that notched tensile strength is a strong function of both temperature and molecular weight, whereas stiffness is only a strong function of temperature. For the crosslinked PETI-SI material, it was shown that the effect of crosslinking significantly enhances the mechanical performance of the low molecular weight material; comparable to that exhibited by the high molecular weight material.

Nicholson, Lee M.

Multiscale Analysis of Thermo-Mechanical Behavior of Boron Nitride-Reinforced Epoxy Nanocomposites

The effect of size, shape, morphology, and arrangement of micro constituents of Boron Nitrite (BN) nanoplatelet/epoxy composites on their properties were investigated using a multi scale approach that includes Molecular Dynamics (MD) and micromechanics. The thermo-mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated using molecular theory and the analysis showed that the elastic constants of BN/epoxy composites were not severely affected by temperature. Also, the micromechanical analysis of Generalized Method of Cells (GMC) was utilized at higher length scale to evaluate elastic properties of the composites, for different geometries and arrangements of micro constituents. The predicted results of the analysis showed that the size, aspect ratios, morphology, and the arrangements of inclusions in BN/epoxy nanocomposites all have remarkable effect on the mechanical performances of the material systems.

nanocomposites

Porous Microstructure Analysis (PuMA) software

The Porous Microstructure Analysis (PuMA) software was developed to provide a robust and efficient framework for computing material properties based on their microstructures. The development was motivated by advancements in X-ray microtomography, an imaging technology that can resolve the structure of a material at a sub-micron scale, in 3D and even in 4D (over time). PuMA provides the capability of computing a comprehensive spectrum of properties, from the most fundamental geometric features of a microstructure, to advanced anisotropic thermo-elastic properties. In addition, the software can generate artificial microstructures, ranging from simple analytical shapes to complex fibrous woven and non- woven geometries, which can be used in performance optimization studies. This presentation will highlight many of the capabilities of the recent open-source release.

microtomography

Microscopic Dynamics Controls Coupling and Cluster Formation in Brush Particle Solids

Thermodynamics-based models predict the structure of polymer-grafted nanoparticles (PGNs) as well as their assembly behavior based on geometric parameters such as particle size, degree of polymerization, and density of grafted chains. The role of microscopic polymer dynamics, such as the mobility of repeat units in the melt state, in the evolution of the structure and properties remains unknown. Brillouin light spectroscopy (BLS), due to its capability to concurrently discern the local and global elastic properties of PGN assemblies, enables the probing of microscopic processes, such as brush interdigitation, sensitive to the annealing of the assembly. For poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-grafted silica (SiO 2 ) PGNs in the dry powder state and annealed above the glass transition temperature, BLS revealed fully reversible local elasticity, indicative of limited interdigitation between adjacent PGNs. This contrasts with polystyrene (PS)−SiO 2 analogs that displayed ready (and irreversible) fusion of brush layers during annealing. The retardation of brush interdigitation in PMMA-grafted systems is surprising, given the similar thermomechanical properties of both polymers, and is rationalized as the consequence of higher friction between PMMA repeats compared to PS. Microscopic dynamics thus has a profound impact on the kinetic path of structure (and property) evolution and thus should be considered during the processing of PGNs into functional hybrid materials.

chemical structure

Relating Hydro–Mechanical and Elastodynamic Properties of Dynamically Stressed Tensile–Fractured Rock in Relation to Applied Normal Stress, Fracture Aperture, and Contact Area

We exploit nonlinear elastodynamic properties of fractured rock to probe the micro-scale mechanics of fractures and understand the relation between fluid transport and fracture aperture under dynamic stressing. Experiments were conducted on rough, tensile-fractured Westerly granite subject to triaxial stresses. We measure fracture permeability for steady-state fluid flow with deionized water. Pore pressure oscillations are applied at amplitudes ranging from 0.2 to 1 MPa at 1 Hz frequency. During dynamic stressing we transmit ultrasonic signals through the fracture using an array of piezoelectric transducers (PZTs) to monitor evolution of interface properties. We examine the influence of fracture aperture and contact area by conducting measurements at effective normal stresses of 10–20 MPa. Additionally, the evolution of contact area with stress is characterized using pressure sensitive film. These experiments are conducted separately with the same fracture and map contact area at stresses from 9 to 21 MPa. The measurements are a proxy for “true” contact area for the fracture surface and we relate them to elastic properties using the calculated PZT sensor footprints via numerical modeling of Fresnel zones. We compare the elastodynamic response of the fracture using the stress-induced changes in ultrasonic wave velocities for transmitter-receiver pairs to image spatial variations in contact properties. We show that nonlinear elasticity and permeability enhancement decrease with increasing normal stress. Additionally, post-oscillation wave velocity and permeability exhibit quick recoveries toward pre-oscillation values. Estimates of fracture contact area (global and local) demonstrate that the elastodynamic and permeability responses are dominated by fracture topology.

58 GEOSCIENCES

Quasi-Static and Dynamic Analysis of Composite Panels: Characterization and Validation

The predictive capability of a progressive damage model to simulate the quasi-static and dynamic crushing of composite specimens is evaluated in this article. The material model is commercially available within the ABAQUS finite element software package, i.e., “Damage for Fiber reinforced Composites”, and is often utilized to simulate damage progression and failure in static and dynamic failure scenarios such as crushing of a composite plate. The composite specimens used in this study consist of quasi-isotropic C-shaped and corrugated composite panels comprised of carbon fiber/epoxy braided fabric. The C-shaped panel specimen is used to calibrate the model and optimize material/model properties through comparison with experimental results. Then, using the same model parameters, the quasi-static crush response of the corrugated panel is predicted. The predictive capability of the model is further demonstrated by simulating the dynamic crushing response of both C-shaped and corrugated panels using the same material properties as in the quasi-static crush case with only minor adjustments for the dynamic elastic properties (i.e., rate dependent modulus). Results show that the in-built material model available in ABAQUS can successfully reproduce experimental results for both panels (C-shaped and corrugated) subjected to both quasi-static and dynamic loading scenarios. A small-scale parametric study on physical (experimentally measurable) and nonphysical (purely mathematical) model parameters was also conducted. It can be concluded that, achieving successful simulation results requires a more in-depth understanding of the influence of model parameter variation on the mechanical response of the composite together with the strategies and challenges of the utilized modeling methodology (e.g., FEA mesh density, etc.).

Naghipour Ghezeljeh, Paria

Multi-Scale Analysis of Effective Mechanical Properties of 3D Woven Composite Materials

This work aims to compute and analyze the mechanical properties of 3D woven composite materials that share the same yarn structure but differ in their matrix porosity and fiber volume fraction. Assuming linear elastic behavior, the software PuMA, developed at NASA, was used to characterize the different composites from their constituents' data averaging their elastic properties in three main directions to obtain their effective orthotropic mechanical properties. This was performed in three steps: firstly, the different phases (yarns/matrix) were analyzed as anisotropic materials separately at the micro-scale; then, the results from these analyses were homogenized and used to obtain the anisotropic elasticity tensor at the meso-scale for the different woven materials; and finally, assuming orthotropic mechanical behavior for the unit cell the mechanical properties were obtained at the macro-scale. The 3D woven composite materials selected for this study are made of phenolic resin with porosity values between 0 and 0.6, and resin infiltrated carbon fiber with volume fractions between 0.5 and 0.9 for the yarns. Results from PuMA were validated with external FEA simulations for the non-porous 3D woven material with a fiber volume fraction of 0.9 in the yarns. Results will be included in the final paper after completing the study detailed in Section II.

Sergio Fraile Izquierdo

The role of annealing and grain boundary controls on the mechanical properties of limestones and marbles

Chemical and mechanical processes are coupled in many geological and geochemical environments. Reactive processes anneal defects and restructure grain boundaries, modifying their elastic properties, levels of internal friction, wave propagation rates and fracture behaviors. The nature of these changes is, however, contingent on the initial state of the rock. Here, in this study, impulse excitation was used to measure changes in mechanical properties as a function of dry and steam heating time at 300 °C for three carbonate rocks: Carrara marble, Carthage marble (Burlington Limestone), and Texas Cream limestone (Edwards limestone), with initial porosities of about 1 %, 3 %, and 27 %, respectively. Frequency-dependent phenomena along with mineral recrystallization were observed. This was coupled with small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering analysis to determine the relationship between changes in bulk mechanical and microstructural properties. An observed decrease in both the Young's and shear moduli in the experimental limestones as a function of heating time reflects and quantifies a reduction in the stiffness of the rock due to annealing. The internal friction of the samples first increases then decreases with reaction time, reflecting defect annealing, but this was balanced against grain boundary dissolution apparently driven by condensation of steam in the confined grain-boundary environment. This suggests an increase in the boiling point under confinement leading to dissolution, increased porosity and widening of the grain boundaries. In addition, comparison of small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering results suggests that it is inappropriate to assume that pores are empty for quantitative analysis of typical small-angle scattering samples.

58 GEOSCIENCES

(abstract) Oblique Insonification Ultrasonic NDE of Composite Materials for Space Applications

In recent years, a great deal of research has been exerted to developing NDE methods for the characterization of the material properties of composites as well as other space structural materials. The need for information about such parameters as the elastic properties, density, and thickness are critical to the safe design and operation of such structural materials. Ultrasonics using immersion methods has played an important role in these efforts due to its capability, cost effectiveness, and ease of use. The authors designed a series of ultrasonic oblique insonification experiments in order to develop a practical field applicable NDE method for space structures.

ultrasonic composites nondestructive evaluation ND

Elastic moduli of transversely isotropic graphite fibers and their composites

The paper demonstrates that it is possible to calculate the complete set of elastic mechanical properties for graphite-epoxy fiber-reinforced materials at any fiber-volume fraction by modifying equations previously developed to include transversely isotropic graphite-fiber properties. Experimental verification of the modified equations is demonstrated by using these equations to curve fit elastic-property data obtained ultrasonically over a range of fiber-volume fractions. Material systems under consideration are T300/5208, AS-3501 and Modomor II/LY558 graphite epoxy. Using the modified equations it is possible to extrapolate for fiber properties. From Modomor II/LY558 ultrasonic data, it is shown that five out of seven extrapolated graphite-fiber properties are consistent with the assumption that graphite fibers are transversely isotropic. Elastic properties for T300/5208 and AS-3501 are ultrasonically evaluated by propagating stress waves through six individual specimens cut at various angles from a block of unidirectional material. Particular attention is devoted to specimen dimensions. To demonstrate the need for accurately calculating or experimentally measuring all lamina elastic properties, a brief discussion is included on the effect that variations in lamina elastic properties have on calculating interlaminar stresses.

Kriz, R. D.

Prediction of Natural Frequency and Buckling Load Variability due to Uncertainty in Material Properties by Convex Modeling

Composite materials are widely used in various types of engineering structures. To a large extent, the properties of composite materials are dependent on the fabrication process. But even the composite materials manufactured by the same process may demonstrate differences in their elastic properties. For design purposes, one should be aware of the potential variations in load-carrying capacity and dynamic behavior of such structures that can arise due to the uncertainty in elastic moduli. A more realistic analysis of composite structures should be performed with the variations of the elastic moduli being taken into consideration at the same time. The present paper is a generalization of a study where the influence of uncertainty in elastic moduli on the axial buckling load was discussed. Here, we consider another case of buckling, shells under uniform external pressure. In addition, this paper deals with the variability of natural frequencies by use of convex modeling, which is apparently the first study of this kind in the literature. A numerical approach to the uncertainty problem is nonlinear programming, which we apply to solve the same problem to generate a set of comparable numerical data. The results from both methods show good agreement throughout. Thus, the effectiveness of the analytic convex modeling is clearly demonstrated. The bounds of he natural frequency and the buckling load provide the designer with a better view of the vibrational behavior and the actual load carrying capacities possessed by the composite structure.

Li, Y. W.

Anisotropic Piezocomposite Actuator Incorporating Machined PMN-PT Single Crystal Fibers

The design, fabrication, and testing of a flexible, planar, anisotropic piezoelectric composite actuator utilizing machined PMN-32%PT single crystal fibers is presented. The device consists of a layer of rectangular single crystal piezoelectric fibers in an epoxy matrix, packaged between interdigitated electrode polyimide films. Quasistatic free-strain measurements of the single crystal device are compared with measurements from geometrically identical specimens incorporating polycrystalline PZT-5A and PZT-5H piezoceramic fibers. Free-strain actuation of the single crystal actuator at low bipolar electric fields (+/- 250 V/mm) is approximately 400% greater than that of the baseline PZT-5A piezoceramic device, and 200% greater than that of the PZT-5H device. Free-strain actuation under high unipolar electric fields (0-4kV/mm) is approximately 200% of the PZT-5A baseline device, and 150% of the PZT-5H alternate piezoceramic device. Performance increases at low field are qualitatively consistent with predicted increases based on scaling the low-field d(sub 33) piezoelectric constants of the respective piezoelectric materials. High-field increases are much less than scaled d(sub 33) estimates, but appear consistent with high-field freestrain measurements reported for similar bulk single-crystal and piezoceramic compositions. Measurements of single crystal actuator capacitance and coupling coefficient are also provided. These properties were poorly predicted using scaled bulk material dielectric and coupling coefficient data. Rules-of-mixtures calculations of the effective elastic properties of the single crystal device and estimated actuation work energy densities are also presented. Results indicate longitudinal stiffnesses significantly lower (50% less) than either piezoceramic device. This suggests that single-crystal piezocomposite actuators will be best suited to low induced-stress, high strain and deflection applications.

Wilkie, W. Keats

Anisotropic Laminar Piezocomposite Actuator Incorporating Machined PMN-PT Single Crystal Fibers

The design, fabrication, and testing of a flexible, laminar, anisotropic piezoelectric composite actuator utilizing machined PMN-32%PT single crystal fibers is presented. The device consists of a layer of rectangular single crystal piezoelectric fibers in an epoxy matrix, packaged between interdigitated electrode polyimide films. Quasistatic free-strain measurements of the single crystal device are compared with measurements from geometrically identical specimens incorporating polycrystalline PZT-5A and PZT-5H piezoceramic fibers. Free-strain actuation of the single crystal actuator at low bipolar electric fields (+/- 250 V/mm) is approximately 400% greater than that of the baseline PZT-5A piezoceramic device, and 200% greater than that of the PZT-5H device. Free-strain actuation under high unipolar electric fields (0-4kV/mm) is approximately 200% of the PZT-5A baseline device, and 150% of the PZT-5H alternate piezoceramic device. Performance increases at low field are qualitatively consistent with predicted increases based on scaling the low-field d33 piezoelectric constants of the respective piezoelectric materials. High-field increases are much less than scaled d33 estimates, but appear consistent with high-field freestrain measurements reported for similar bulk single-crystal and piezoceramic compositions. Measurements of single crystal actuator capacitance and coupling coefficient are also provided. These properties were poorly predicted using scaled bulk material dielectric and coupling coefficient data. Rules-of-mixtures calculations of the effective elastic properties of the single crystal device and estimated actuation work energy densities are also presented. Results indicate longitudinal stiffnesses significantly lower (50% less) than either piezoceramic device. This suggests that single-crystal piezocomposite actuators will be best suited to low induced-stress, high strain and deflection applications.

Wilkie, W. Keats

Parameterized materials and dynamic response characterizations in unidirectional composites

The values of phase velocities of ultrasonic waves in transversely isotropic media are presented in terms of the fiber volume fraction of a unidirectional fiberglass epoxy composite with constant matrix properties and the ratio between extensional moduli in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the composite when the properties of the fibers are changed, at a constant fiber volume fraction. The model of a homogeneous transversely isotropic medium is adopted to describe the relations between elastic properties and velocities. The displacements due to an oscillatory point source in an infinite medium are used as one measure of comparison of the behavior of the unidirectional composite according to the variations of the parameters, as described above. Values of phase velocities, elastic moduli, Poisson's ratios and displacements due to a point source can be read from the parameterized plots for a known fiber volume fraction or a known ratio between extensional moduli of the composite. Alternatively fiber volume fraction and the ratio between extensional moduli can be inferred from the plots when the values of the phase velocities are known; for example from experimental measurements. Therefore, such parameterized curves may be useful in nondestructive mechanical property and material degradation characterizations.

Williams, J. H., Jr.

Failure models for textile composites

The goals of this investigation were to: (1) identify mechanisms of failure and determine how the architecture of reinforcing fibers in 3D woven composites controlled stiffness, strength, strain to failure, work of fracture, notch sensitivity, and fatigue life; and (2) to model composite stiffness, strength, and fatigue life. A total of 11 different angle and orthogonal interlock woven composites were examined. Composite properties depended on the weave architecture, the tow size, and the spatial distributions and strength of geometrical flaws. Simple models were developed for elastic properties, strength, and fatigue life. A more complicated stochastic model, called the 'Binary Model,' was developed for damage tolerance and ultimate failure. These 3D woven composites possessed an extraordinary combination of strength, damage tolerance, and notch insensitivity.

Cox, Brian

Normal and radial impact of composites with embedded penny-shaped cracks

A method is developed for the dynamic stress analysis of a layered composite containing an embedded penny-shaped crack and subjected to normal and radial impact. The material properties of the layers are chosen such that the crack lies in a layer of matrix material while the surrounding material possesses the average elastic properties of a two-phase medium consisting of a large number of fibers embedded in the matrix. Quantitatively, the time-dependent stresses near the crack border can be described by the dynamic stress intensity factors. Their magnitude depends on time, on the material properties of the composite and on the relative size of the crack compared to the composite local geometry. Results obtained show that, for the same material properties and geometry of the composite, the dynamic stress intensity factors for an embedded (penny-shaped) crack reach their peak values within a shorter period of time and with a lower magnitude than the corresponding dynamic stress intensity factors for a through-crack.

Sih, G. C.

Effects of Molecular Structure in Macroscopic Mechanical Properties of an Advanced Polymer (LARC(sup TM)-SI)

Mechanical testing of an advanced polymer resin with known variations in molecular weight was performed over a range of temperatures below the glass transition temperature. The elastic properties, inelastic elongation behavior, and notched tensile strength all as a function of molecular weight and test temperature were determined. It was shown that notched tensile strength is a strong function of both temperature and molecular weight, whereas stiffness is only a strong function of temperature.

Nicholson, Lee M.