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At least 163 records · Page 9

Experimental studies of graphite-epoxy and boron-epoxy angle ply laminates in compression

A test program aimed at studying the nonlinear/inelastic response under axial compression across a wide range of angle ply was graphite-epoxy and boron-epoxy laminates was presented and described. The strength allowables corresponding to the various laminate configurations were defined and the failure mechanisms which dictate their mode of failure were detected. The program involved two types of specimens for each laminate configuration: compression sandwich coupons and compression tubes. The test results indicate that the coupons perform better than the tubes displaying considerably high stress-strain allowables and mechanical properties relative to the tubes. Also, it is observed that depending on their dimensions the coupons are susceptible to very pronounced edge effects. This sensitivity results in assigning to the laminate conservative mechanical properties rather than the actual ones.

Weller, T.↗

Experimental investigation of the crashworthiness of scaled composite sailplane fuselages

The crash dynamics and energy absorption of composite sailplane fuselage segments undergoing nose-down impact were investigated. More than 10 quarter-scale structurally similar test articles, typical of high-performance sailplane designs, were tested. Fuselages segments were fabricated of combinations of fiberglass, graphite, Kevlar, and Spectra fabric materials. Quasistatic and dynamic tests were conducted. The quasistatic tests were found to replicate the strain history and failure modes observed in the dynamic tests. Failure modes of the quarter-scale model were qualitatively compared with full-scale crash evidence and quantitatively compared with current design criteria. By combining material and structural improvements, substantial increases in crashworthiness were demonstrated.

Kampf, Karl-Peter↗

Stress and Damage in Polymer Matrix Composite Materials Due to Material Degradation at High Temperatures

This report describes analytical methods for calculating stresses and damage caused by degradation of the matrix constituent in polymer matrix composite materials. Laminate geometry, material properties, and matrix degradation states are specified as functions of position and time. Matrix shrinkage and property changes are modeled as functions of the degradation states. The model is incorporated into an existing composite mechanics computer code. Stresses, strains, and deformations at the laminate, ply, and micro levels are calculated, and from these calculations it is determined if there is failure of any kind. The rationale for the model (based on published experimental work) is presented, its integration into the laminate analysis code is outlined, and example results are given, with comparisons to existing material and structural data. The mechanisms behind the changes in properties and in surface cracking during long-term aging of polyimide matrix composites are clarified. High-temperature-material test methods are also evaluated.

McManus, Hugh L.↗

A systems approach to solder joint fatigue in spacecraft electronic packaging

Differential expansion induced fatigue resulting from temperature cycling is a leading cause of solder joint failures in spacecraft. Achieving high reliability flight hardware requires that each element of the fatigue issue be addressed carefully. This includes defining the complete thermal-cycle environment to be experienced by the hardware, developing electronic packaging concepts that are consistent with the defined environments, and validating the completed designs with a thorough qualification and acceptance test program. This paper describes a useful systems approach to solder fatigue based principally on the fundamental log-strain versus log-cycles-to-failure behavior of fatigue. This fundamental behavior has been useful to integrate diverse ground test and flight operational thermal-cycle environments into a unified electronics design approach. Each element of the approach reflects both the mechanism physics that control solder fatigue, as well as the practical realities of the hardware build, test, delivery, and application cycle.

Ross, R. G., Jr.↗

A Simple Test Method for Large Deformation Bending of Thin High Strain Composite Flexures

A simple test method for large deformation bending of thin composite laminates is investigated using image processing and full-field strain measurements. The assumptions and kinematic equations that represent the test are used to calculate numerically the laminate bending stiffness and strength as well as the curvature and strains at failure. In order to validate the test methodology, a comparison is performed between analytical model predictions and empirical data in terms of computed surface strains versus digital image correlation data and calculated rotation angles of the fixture arms throughout the test versus measured ones. The new test method is then used to calculate the bending stiffness in the D11 and D22 directions as well as failure strains for various thin-ply laminates of interest. These parameters are ultimately compared with predicted values using micromechanics and classical lamination theory analysis. In general, bending stiffness and strain test results and predictions for 0 degree orientation coupons have a maximum difference of 10% and 35%.

Fernandez, Juan M.↗

Residual stress in high modulus carbon fibers

The modulus and residual strain in carbon fibers are measured by successively electrochemically milling away the fiber surface. Electrochemical etching is found to remove the carbon fiber surface very uniformly, in contrast to air and wet oxidation. The precision of fiber diameter measurements is improved by using a laser diffraction technique instead of optical methods. More precise diameter measurements reveal that past correlations of diameter and fiber modulus are largely measurement artifact. The moduli of most carbon fibers decrease after the outer layers of the fibers are removed. Owing to experimental difficulties, the moduli and strengths of the fibers at their centers are not determined, and moduli are estimated on the basis of microstructure. The calculated residual stresses are found to be insensitive to these moduli estimates as well as the exact form of regression equation used to describe the moduli and residual strain distributions. Axial compressive residual stresses are found to be very high for some higher modulus carbon fibers. It is pointed out that the compressive stress makes the fibers insensitive to surface flaws when loaded in tension but it may initiate failure by buckling when loaded in compression.

Chen, K. J.↗

Thermal barrier coating life-prediction model development

The program focuses on predicting the lives of two types of strain-tolerant and oxidation-resistant thermal barrier coating (TBC) systems that are produced by commercial coating suppliers to the gas turbine industry. The plasma-sprayed TBC system, composed of a low-pressure plasma-spray (LPPS) or an argon shrouded plasma-spray (ASPS) applied oxidation resistant NiCrAlY or (CoNiCrAlY) bond coating and an air-plasma-sprayed yttria partially stabilized zirconia insulative layer, is applied by both Chromalloy, Klock, and Union Carbide. The second type of TBS is applied by the electron beam-physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD) process by Temescal. The second year of the program was focused on specimen procurement, TMC system characterization, nondestructive evaluation methods, life prediction model development, and TFE731 engine testing of thermal barrier coated blades. Materials testing is approaching completion. Thermomechanical characterization of the TBC systems, with toughness, and spalling strain tests, was completed. Thermochemical testing is approximately two-thirds complete. Preliminary materials life models for the bond coating oxidation and zirconia sintering failure modes were developed. Integration of these life models with airfoil component analysis methods is in progress. Testing of high pressure turbine blades coated with the program TBS systems is in progress in a TFE731 turbofan engine. Eddy current technology feasibility was established with respect to nondestructively measuring zirconia layer thickness of a TBC system.

Strangman, T. E.↗

Insights into the Behavior of Potential Structural Failures Originating from Localized High Stress Regions in Configurations Relevant to Solid Rocket Motor Nozzles

During the structural certification effort for the Space Launch System solid rocket booster nozzle, it was identified that no consistent method for addressing local negative margins of safety in non-metallic materials had been developed. Relevant areas included bond-line terminations and geometric features in the composite nozzle liners. In order to gain understanding, analog test specimens were designed that very closely mimic the conditions in the actual full scale hardware. Different locations in the nozzle were represented by different analog specimen designs. This paper describes those tests and corresponding results. Finite element analysis results for the tests are presented. Strain gage correlation of the analysis to the test results is addressed. Furthermore, finite fracture mechanics (a coupled stress and energy failure criterion) is utilized to predict the observed crack pop-in loads for the different configurations. The finite fracture mechanics predictions are found to be within a 10% error relative to the average measured pop-in load for each of four configurations. Initiation locations, arrest behaviors, and resistances to further post-arrest crack propagation are also discussed.

McCutcheon, David Matthew↗

Design of Flexures for Deployable Reflectarrays Using High Strain Composites

This paper presents a novel flexure design for small scale refelectarrays, specifically CubeSats, that requires high level of deployment precision. Advantages of using a HSC flexure includes additional thermal stability, lesser part count and passive deployment mechanism using the stored strain energy. The proposed design is to use two flat HSC strips of thickness ℎ, length 2𝐿ℎ, width 𝑊ℎ that attach to the core-reflector panel interface. The flexure satisfies two main requirements: ability to fold to a specific compaction 𝑑 without material failure and sufficient stiffness in the deployed configuration. The elastica analysis was implemented to identify the maximum strains in the flexure when folded and provide relations that combine Δ, ℎ, 𝐿ℎ with the maximum allowable strain. A simplified analysis was performed of the vibration of a panel-flexure combination using a two degree of freedom system. The vibration analysis reveals a dimensionless length parameter 𝛽 = (𝐿ℎ/𝐿𝑃) (Δ/ℎ) that determines the transition between bending and shear modes. A non-dimensional relationship was obtained between the natural frequency and 𝛽 that captures the impact of each parameter on the response of the structure. Our current work involves fabricating and testing of the proposed flexures using High Strain Composite materials, with plans to build a prototype for a deployable reflectarray.

López Jiménez, Francisco↗

Application of Single Crystal Failure Criteria: Theory and Turbine Blade Case Study

The orientation of the single crystal material within a structural component is known to affect the strength and life of the part. The first stage blade of the High Pressure Fuel Turbopump (HPFTP)/ Alternative Turbopump Development (ATD), of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) was used to study the effects of secondary axis'orientation angles on the failure rate of the blade. A new failure criterion was developed based on normal and shear strains on the primary crystallographic planes. The criterion was verified using low cycle fatigue (LCF) specimen data and a finite element model of the test specimens. The criterion was then used to study ATD/HPFTP first stage blade failure events. A detailed ANSYS finite element model of the blade was used to calculate the failure parameter for the different crystallographic orientations. A total of 297 cases were run to cover a wide range of acceptable orientations within the blade. Those orientations are related to the base crystallographic coordinate system that was created in the ANSYS finite element model. Contour plots of the criterion as a function of orientation for the blade tip and attachment were obtained. Results of the analysis revealed a 40% increase in the failure parameter due to changing of the primary and secondary axes of material orientations. A comparison between failure criterion predictions and actual engine test data was then conducted. The engine test data comes from two ATD/HPFTP builds (units F3- 4B and F6-5D), which were ground tested on the SSME at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. Both units experienced cracking of the airfoil tips in multiple blades, but only a few cracks grew all the way across the wall of the hollow core airfoil.

Sayyah, Tarek↗

Small Aircraft Transportation System Simulation Analysis of the HVO and ERO Concepts

It is acknowledged that the aviation and aerospace industries are primary forces influencing the industrial development and economic well being of the United States and many countries around the world. For decades the US national air transportation system has been the model of success - safely and efficiently moving people, cargo, goods and services and generating countless benefits throughout the global community; however, the finite nature of the system and many of its components is becoming apparent. Without measurable increases in the capacity of the national air transportation system, delays and service delivery failures will eventually become intolerable. Although the recent economic slowdown has lowered immediate travel demands, that trend is reversing and cargo movement remains high. Research data indicates a conservative 2.5-3.0% annual increase in aircraft operations nationwide through 2017. Such growth will place additional strains upon a system already experiencing capacity constraints. The stakeholders of the system will continue to endure ever-increasing delays and abide lesser levels of service to many lower population density areas of the country unless more efficient uses of existing and new transportation resources are implemented. NASA s Small Aircraft Transportation System program (SATS) is one of several technologies under development that are aimed at using such resources more effectively. As part of this development effort, this report is the first in a series outlining the findings and recommendations resulting from a comprehensive program of multi-level analyses and system engineering efforts undertaken by NASA Langley Research Center s Systems Analysis Branch (SAB). These efforts are guided by a commitment to provide systems-level analysis support for the SATS program. Subsequent efforts will build upon this early work to produce additional analyses and benefits studies needed to provide the technical and economic basis for national investment and policy decisions related to further development and potential deployment of a small aircraft transportation system. This report primarily serves two purposes. First, it presents results attained from an initial evaluation and analysis of the Higher Volume Operations (HVO) and EnRoute Operations (ERO) concepts - both designated operational capabilities within the SATS Program s Concept of Operations (CONOPS) document. It further outlines areas of the concepts that would benefit from follow-on analyses and system engineering efforts. It is intended that these processes will aid continued maturation of the concepts and promote additional studies of their effects and influences in combination with other designated CONOPS currently under development. In essence, it establishes a baseline of data upon which subsequent analyses and studies can be built and identifies performance characteristics the concept must exhibit in order to provide, at minimum, levels of safety and usage equal to or better than the current system.

Millsaps, Gary D.↗

Effectiveness of Shot Peening in Suppressing Fatigue Cracking at Non-Metallic Inclusions in Udimet(trademark) 720

The fatigue lives of modern powder metallurgy disk alloys can be reduced by over an order of magnitude by surface cracking at inherent non-metallic inclusions. The objective of this work was to study the effectiveness of shot peening in suppressing LCF crack initiation and growth at surface nonmetallic inclusions. Inclusions were carefully introduced at elevated levels during powder metallurgy processing of the nickel-base disk superalloy Udimet 720. Multiple strain-controlled fatigue tests were then performed on machined specimens at 427 and 650 C in peened and unpeened conditions. Analyses were performed to compare the low cycle fatigue lives and failure initiation sites as a function of inclusion content, shot peening, and fatigue conditions. A large majority of the failures in as-machined specimens with introduced inclusions occurred at cracks initiating from inclusions intersecting the specimen surface. The inclusions could reduce fatigue life by up to 100X. Large inclusions had the greatest effect on life in tests at low strain ranges and high strain ratios. Shot peening can be used to improve life in these conditions by reducing the most severe effects of inclusions.

Barrie, Robert L.↗

SAW Sensor for Fastener Failure Detection

The proof of concept for using surface acoustic wave (SAW) strain sensors in the detection of aircraft fastener failures is demonstrated. SAW sensors were investigated because they have the potential for the development of passive wireless systems. The SAW devices employed four orthogonal frequency coding (OFC) spread spectrum reflectors in two banks on a high temperature piezoelectric substrate. Three SAW devices were attached to a cantilever panel with removable side stiffeners. Damage in the form of fastener failure was simulated by removal of bolts from the side stiffeners. During testing, three different force conditions were used to simulate static aircraft structural response under loads. The design of the sensor, the panel arrangement and the panel testing results are reported. The results show that the sensors successfully detected single fastener failure at distances up to 54.6 cm from the failure site under loaded conditions.

Wilson, W. C.↗

Treatment of low strains and long hold times in high temperature metal fatigue by strainrange partitioning

A procedure for treating creep-fatigue for low strainranges and long hold times is outlined. A semi-experimental approach, wherein several cycles of the imposed loading is actually applied to a specimen in order to determine the stable hysteresis loop, can be very useful in the analysis. Because such tests require only a small fraction of the total failure time, they are not inherently prohibitive if experimental equipment is available. The need for accurate constitutive equations is bypassed because the material itself acts to translate the imposed loading into the responsive hysteresis loops. When strainrange partitioning has been applied in such cases very good results have been obtained.

Manson, S. S.↗

Experimental stress analysis of large plastic deformations in a hollow sphere deformed by impact against a concrete block

An experimental plastic strain measurement system is presented for use on the surface of high velocity impact test models. The system was used on a hollow sphere tested in impact against a reinforced concrete block. True strains, deviatoric stresses, and true stresses were calculated from experimental measurements. The maximum strain measured in the model was small compared to the true failure strain obtained from static tensile tests of model material. This fact suggests that a much greater impact velocity would be required to cause failure of the model shell structure.

Morris, R. E.↗

Mechanical properties of the Shuttle Orbiter thermal protection system strain isolator pad

An experimental investigation conducted to determine the static and fatigue properties of the Strain Isolator Pad (SIP) used on the Shuttle Orbiter Thermal protection system is described. Static tension-compression and shear test results show that the SIP is highly nonlinear and that it possesses a large hysteresis, a large low modulus region for low stress levels, and stress-strain properties that are highly sensitive to strain rate and previous load history. In addition, the shear properties are also found to be sensitive to forces applied normal to the plane of the pad and to the orientation of the material. For the undensified tile/SIP system, static and fatigue failure takes place at the SIP/tile interface at low stress levels and for a small number of cycles.

Sawyer, J. W.↗

Effects of the space environment on space-based radar phased-array antenna; status and preliminary observations (LDEF Experiment A0133)

The overall objective of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of the space environment on components considered for a Space-Based Radar (SBR) Phased-Array Antenna. Of primary interest was a study of the degradation of the polyimide film Kapton (DuPont trademark), the material considered for use in the antenna plane. The most striking result of the experiment was the overall good condition of the Kapton antenna planes and Kapton tensile specimens, despite nearly six years of exposure to the space environment. This was largely attributable to the orientation of the Kapton (parallel and flush on the space end) and the stability of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) in orbit. However, weathering of exposed Kapton surfaces was not insignificant. Results on elongation and mechanical properties of the plain and the fiberglass-reinforced Kapton are presented. Reduction in strain to failure of flight-exposed Kapton is attributed to surface defects of these specimens. Physical property testing of the materials to date reveals no significant difference between flight-exposed and control material. The second objective was to investigate the interaction between high-voltage electrodes and typical spacecraft contaminants in simulation of discharge triggering across differentially charged dielectric surfaces (spacecraft charging conditions). Electronic data acquisition and memory systems appeared to operate correctly, but very few discharges were recorded. Induced radioactivity, contamination, impacts, and orientation features of atomic oxygen erosion were observed.

J B Whiteside↗

Structural tailoring of aircraft engine blade subject to ice impact constraints

Results are presented for the minimum weight design of SR2 unswept blade made of (titanium/graphite-epoxy/titanium) sub s fiber composite. The blade which is rotating at high RPM is subject to ice impact. The root chord length, blade thicknesses at five stations, and graphite-epoxy ply orientation are chosen as design variables. Design constraints are placed on the behavior variables: local leading edge strain and root damage parameter (combined stress failure criteria) as a function due to ice impact, maximum spanwise centrifugal stress at the root of the deformed blade due to local damage, first three natural frequencies, and resonance margin after impact. The method of feasible directions is employed to solve the inequality constrained minimization problem. The effect of ice speed and the ice impact location on the final design are discussed.

Reddy, E. S.↗