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At least 163 records · Page 9

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NASA NTRS1973

Development of polyphenylquinoxaline graphite composites.

The potential of polyphenylquinoxaline (PPQ)/graphite composites to serve as structural material at 316 C (600 F) has been demonstrated using a block copolymer, BICo(1:3), PPQ derivative. Initially, 13 polyphenylquinoxalines were evaluated. From this work, four candidate polymers were selected for preliminary evaluation as matrices for HMS graphite fiber reinforced composites. The preliminary composite evaluation enabled selection of one of the four polymers for advanced composite preparation and testing. Using an experimentally established cure schedule for each of the four polymers, preliminary laminates of 50% resin volume content, prepared without postcure, were tested for flexure strength and modulus, interlaminar shear strength (short beam), tensile strength, and modulus of ambient temperature. The potential of PPQ/graphite laminates to serve as short term structural materials at temperatures up to 371 C (700 F) was demonstrated through weight loss experiments.

Shdo, J. G.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Composite impact strength improvement through a fiber/matrix interphase

Research was conducted to improve the impact strength and toughness of fiber/resin composites by means of a fiber coating interphase. Graphite fiber/epoxy resin composites were fabricated with four different fiber coating systems introduced in a matrix-fiber interphase. Two graphite fibers, a high strength and a high modulus type, were studied with the following coating systems: chemical vapor deposited boron, electroless nickel, a polyamide-imide resin and a thermoplastic polysulfone resin. Evaluation methods included the following tests: Izod, flexure, shear fracture toughness, longitudinal and transverse tensile, and transverse and longitudinal compression. No desirable changes could be effected with the high strength fiber, but significant improvements in impact performance were observed with the polyamide-imide resin coated high modulus fiber with no loss in composite modulus.

Cavano, P. J.↗

NASA NTRS1982

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.↗

NASA NTRS1984

SEASAT observations of lithospheric flexure

Models of lithospheric flexure were tested on SEASAT altimetric observations of the geoid over Outer Rises. These altimeter data were found to provide significant new information about the strength of the oceanic lithosphere. Among the significant results derived from altimeter data is confirmation of the proposition that the effective elastic thickness, T sub e, of the lithosphere increases with age in approximate accord with the relation T sub E approximately equals C times one half the age. SEASAT altimeter data over Outer Rises provide an important constraint on mechanical models of the oceanic lithosphere. These data are quite consistent with an experimentally predicted mechanical model of the lithosphere which indicates that this model may be useful in other geodynamic investigations.

Mcadoo, D. C.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Cobalt Ions Improve the Strength of Epoxy Resins

Technique developed for improving mechanical strength of epoxy resins by adding cobalt ions in form of tris(acetylacetonato)cobalt (III) complex. Solid cast disks prepared from cobalt ion-containing epoxy resins tested for flexural strength and stiffness. Incorporation of cobalt ions into epoxies increased flexural strength of resins by 10 to 95 percent. Suitable resins for this technique include any liquid or solid TGMDA resins. Improved epoxy formulation proves useful as composite matrix resin, adhesive, or casting resin for applications on commercial and advanced aircraft.

Stoakley, D. M.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Semi-2-interpenetrating polymer networks of high temperature systems

A semi-interpenetrating (semi-IPN) polymer system of the semi-2-IPN type is described in which a polymer of acetylene-terminated imidesulfone (ATPISO2) is cross linked in the presence of polyimidesulfone (PISO2). Six different formulations obtained by mixing of either ATPISO2-1n or ATPISO2-3n with PISO2 in three different proportions were characterized in terms of glass transition temperature, thermooxidative stability, inherent viscosity, and dynamic mechanical properties. Adhesive (lap shear) strength was tested at elevated temperatures on aged samples of adhesive scrim cloth prepared from each resin. Woven graphite (Celion 1000)/polyimide composites were tested for flexural strength, flexural modulus, and shear strength. The network polymers have properties intermediate between those of the component polymers alone, have greatly improved processability over either polyimide, and are able to form good adhesive bonds and composites, making the semi-2-IPN systems superior materials for aerospace structures.

Hanky, A. O.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Tolerance bounds for log gamma regression models

The present procedure for finding lower confidence bounds for the quantiles of Weibull populations, on the basis of the solution of a quadratic equation, is more accurate than current Monte Carlo tables and extends to any location-scale family. It is shown that this method is accurate for all members of the log gamma(K) family, where K = 1/2 to infinity, and works well for censored data, while also extending to regression data. An even more accurate procedure involving an approximation to the Lawless (1982) conditional procedure, with numerical integrations whose tables are independent of the data, is also presented. These methods are applied to the case of failure strengths of ceramic specimens from each of three billets of Si3N4, which have undergone flexural strength testing.

Jones, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Properties of autoclaved Gr/PI composites made from improved tack PMR-15 prepreg

Autoclave processing studies were conducted, using improved tack PMR-15 prepreg, to determine the effect of tack enhancing PMR resin modifications on composite processability and mechanical properties. Improved tack graphite fiber reinforced PMR-15 prepregs were prepared and exposed to ambient conditions for various times and then autoclave molded into composites. Composite specimens were prepared and tested for flexural and interlaminar shear strengths at room temperature and 316 C. The retention of flexural and interlaminar shear strength as a function of exposure in air at 316 C was also determined. The results show that the modified PMR resin solutions provide prepreg with improved tack and drape retention characteristics without adversely affecting processability or mechanical properties of autoclave molded graphite fiber reinforced PMR-15 composites.

Vannucci, R. D.↗

NASA NTRS1986

An experimental investigation of the structural dynamics of a torsionally soft rotor in vacuum

An extensive data base of structural dynamic characteristics has been generated from an experimental program conducted on a torsionally soft two-bladed model helicopter rotor system. Measurements of vibratory strains for five modes of vibration were made at twenty-one locations on the two blades at speeds varying from 0 to 1000 RPM and for several combinations of precone, droop and flexure stiffness. Tests were conducted in vacuum under carefully controlled conditions using a unique excitation device with a system of piezoelectric crystals bonded to the blade surface near the root. Frequencies, strain mode shapes and dampings are extracted from the time histories and can be used to validate structural dynamics codes. The dynamics of the system are such that there is a clear tendency for the first torsion and second flap modes to couple within the speed range considered. Strain mode shapes vary significantly with speed and configuration. This feature is important in the calcualtion of aeroelastic instabilities. The tension axis tests confirmed that the modulus-weighted centroid for the nonhomogeneous airfoil is slightly off the mass centroid and validated previous static tests done to determine location of the tension axis.

Srinivasan, A. V.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Finite element analysis of the end notched flexure specimen for measuring Mode II fracture toughness

The paper presents a finite element analysis of the end-notched flexure (ENF) test specimen for Mode II interlaminar fracture testing of composite materials. Virtual crack closure and compliance techniques employed to calculate strain energy release rates from linear elastic two-dimensional analysis indicate that the ENF specimen is a pure Mode II fracture test within the constraints of small deflection theory. Furthermore, the ENF fracture specimen is shown to be relatively insensitive to process-induced cracks, offset from the laminate midplane. Frictional effects are investigated by including the contact problem in the finite element model. A parametric study investigating the influence of delamination length, span, thickness, and material properties assessed the accuracy of beam theory expressions for compliance and strain energy release rate, GII. Finite element results indicate that data reduction schemes based upon beam theory underestimate GII by approximately 20-40 percent for typical unidirectional graphite fiber composite test specimen geometries. Consequently, an improved data reduction scheme is proposed.

Gillespie, J. W., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Flaw imaging and ultrasonic techniques for characterizing sintered silicon carbide

The capabilities were investigated of projection microfocus x-radiography, ultrasonic velocity and attenuation, and reflection scanning acoustic microscopy for characterizing silicon carbide specimens. Silicon carbide batches covered a range of densities and different microstructural characteristics. Room temperature, four point flexural strength tests were conducted. Fractography was used to identify types, sizes, and locations of fracture origins. Fracture toughness values were calculated from fracture strength and flaw characterization data. Detection capabilities of radiography and acoustic microscopy for fracture-causing flaws were evaluated. Applicability of ultrasonics for verifying material strength and toughness was examined.

Baaklini, George Y.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Stress Rupture Behavior of Silicon Carbide Coated, Low Modulus Carbon/Carbon Composites

The disadvantages of carbon-carbon composites, in addition to the oxidation problem, are low thermal expansion, expensive fabrication procedures, and poor off axis properties. The background of carbon-carbon composites, their fabrication, oxidation, oxidation protection and mechanical testing in flexure are discussed.

Rozak, Gary A.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Characterization of sintered SiC by using NDE

Capabilities of projection microfocus X-radiography and of ultrasonic velocity and attenuation for characterizing silicon carbide specimens were assessed. Silicon carbide batches covered a range of densities and different microstructural characteristics. Room-temperature, four-point flexural strength tests were conducted. Fractography was used to identify types, sizes, and locations of fracture origins. Fracture toughness values were calculated from fracture strength and flaw characterization data. Detection capabilities of radiography for fracture-causing flaws were evaluated. Applicability of ultrasonics for verifying material strength and toughness was examined. Radiography proved useful in detecting high-density inclusions and isolated voids, but failed in detecting surface and subsurface agglomerates and large grains as fracture origins. Ultrasonic velocity dependency on density was evident. Attenuation dependency on density and mean pore size was clearly demonstrated. Understanding attenuation as a function of toughness was limited by shortcomings in K sub IC determination.

Baaklini, George Y.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Characterization of Mode 1 and Mode 2 delamination growth and thresholds in graphite/peek composites

Composite materials often fail by delamination. The onset and growth of delamination in AS4/PEEK, a tough thermoplastic matrix composite, was characterized for mode 1 and mode 2 loadings, using the Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) and the End Notched Flexure (ENF) test specimens. Delamination growth per fatigue cycle, da/dN, was related to strain energy release rate, G, by means of a power law. However, the exponents of these power laws were too large for them to be adequately used as a life prediction tool. A small error in the estimated applied loads could lead to large errors in the delamination growth rates. Hence strain energy release rate thresholds, G sub th, below which no delamination would occur were also measured. Mode 1 and 2 threshold G values for no delamination growth were found by monitoring the number of cycles to delamination onset in the DCB and ENF specimens. The maximum applied G for which no delamination growth had occurred until at least 1,000,000 cycles was considered the threshold strain energy release rate. Comments are given on how testing effects, facial interference or delamination front damage, may invalidate the experimental determination of the constants in the expression.

Martin, Roderick H.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Radiographic and ultrasonic characterization of sintered silicon carbide

The capabilities were investigated of projection microfocus X-radiography, ultrasonic velocity and attenuation, and reflection scanning acoustic microscopy for characterizing silicon carbide specimens. Silicon carbide batches covered a range of densities and different microstructural characteristics. Room temperature, four point flexural strength tests were conducted. Fractography was used to identify types, sizes, and locations of fracture origins. Fracture toughness values were calculated from fracture strength and flaw characterization data. Detection capabilities of radiography and acoustic microscopy for fracture-causing flaws were evaluated. Applicability of ultrasonics for verifying material strength and toughness was examined.

Baaklini, G. Y.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Strength distribution in commercial silicon carbide materials

Four-point flexural strength testing has been conducted in order to establish the baseline strength and reliability of four different commercial SiC types, in conjunction with reliable Weibull modulus values. Average strength of the samples ranged from 380 to 482 MPa at room temperature and 307 to 470 MPa at 1370 C. The strength scatter reflects the effect of flaw variability, which must be minimized to improve reliability in sintered SiC.

Dutta, Sunil↗

NASA NTRS1990

Characterization of Mode I and Mode II delamination growth and thresholds in AS4/PEEK composites

Martin, Roderick H.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Effect of initial delamination on Mode 1 and Mode 2 interlaminar fracture toughness and fatigue fracture threshold

Static and fatigue double-cantilever beam (DCB) and end-notch flexure (ENF) tests were conducted to determine the effect of the simulated initial delamination in interlaminar fracture toughness, G(sub c), and fatigue fracture threshold, G(sub th). Unidirectional, 24-ply specimens of S2/SP250 glass/epoxy were tested using Kapton inserts of four different thickness - 13, 25, 75, and 130 microns, at the midplane at one end, or with tension or shear precracks, to simulate an initial delamination. To determine G(sub c), the fatigue fracture threshold below which no delamination growth would occur in less than 1 x 10(exp 6) cycles, fatigue tests were conducted by cyclically loading specimens until delamination growth was detected. Consistent values of model 1 fracture toughness, G(sub Ic), were measured from DCB specimens with inserts of thickness 75 microns or thinner, or with shear precracks. The fatigue DCB tests gave similar values of G(sub Ith) for the 13, 25, and 75 microns specimens. Results for the shear precracked specimens were significantly lower that for specimens without precracks. Results for both the static and fatigue ENF tests showed that measured G(IIc) and G(IIth) values decreased with decreasing insert thickness, so that no limiting thickness could be determined. Results for specimens with inserts of 75 microns or thicker were significantly higher than the results for precracked specimens or specimens with 13 or 25 microns inserts.

Murri, Gretchen Bostaph↗