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Results for “FIBER STRENGTH”

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.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2013

The Effect of Fiber Strength Stochastics and Local Fiber Volume Fraction on Multiscale Progressive Failure of Composites

Continuous fiber unidirectional polymer matrix composites (PMCs) can exhibit significant local variations in fiber volume fraction as a result of processing conditions that can lead to further local differences in material properties and failure behavior. In this work, the coupled effects of both local variations in fiber volume fraction and the empirically-based statistical distribution of fiber strengths on the predicted longitudinal modulus and local tensile strength of a unidirectional AS4 carbon fiber/ Hercules 3502 epoxy composite were investigated using the special purpose NASA Micromechanics Analysis Code with Generalized Method of Cells (MAC/GMC); local effective composite properties were obtained by homogenizing the material behavior over repeating units cells (RUCs). The predicted effective longitudinal modulus was relatively insensitive to small (~8%) variations in local fiber volume fraction. The composite tensile strength, however, was highly dependent on the local distribution in fiber strengths. The RUC-averaged constitutive response can be used to characterize lower length scale material behavior within a multiscale analysis framework that couples the NASA code FEAMAC and the ABAQUS finite element solver. Such an approach can be effectively used to analyze the progressive failure of PMC structures whose failure initiates at the RUC level. Consideration of the effect of local variations in constituent properties and morphologies on progressive failure of PMCs is a central aspect of the application of Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) principles for composite materials.

multiscale analysis↗
NASA NTRS1982

Alumina fiber strength improvement

The effective fiber strength of alumina fibers in an aluminum composite was increased to 173,000 psi. A high temperature heat treatment, combined with a glassy carbon surface coating, was used to prevent degradation and improve fiber tensile strength. Attempts to achieve chemical strengthening of the alumina fiber by chromium oxide and boron oxide coatings proved unsuccessful. A major problem encountered on the program was the low and inconsistent strength of the Dupont Fiber FP used for the investigation.

Pepper, R. T.↗
NASA NTRS2014

A Multiscale Progressive Failure Modeling Methodology for Composites that Includes Fiber Strength Stochastics

A multiscale modeling methodology was developed for continuous fiber composites that incorporates a statistical distribution of fiber strengths into coupled multiscale micromechanics/finite element (FE) analyses. A modified two-parameter Weibull cumulative distribution function, which accounts for the effect of fiber length on the probability of failure, was used to characterize the statistical distribution of fiber strengths. A parametric study using the NASA Micromechanics Analysis Code with the Generalized Method of Cells (MAC/GMC) was performed to assess the effect of variable fiber strengths on local composite failure within a repeating unit cell (RUC) and subsequent global failure. The NASA code FEAMAC and the ABAQUS finite element solver were used to analyze the progressive failure of a unidirectional SCS-6/TIMETAL 21S metal matrix composite tensile dogbone specimen at 650 degC. Multiscale progressive failure analyses were performed to quantify the effect of spatially varying fiber strengths on the RUC-averaged and global stress-strain responses and failure. The ultimate composite strengths and distribution of failure locations (predominately within the gage section) reasonably matched the experimentally observed failure behavior. The predicted composite failure behavior suggests that use of macroscale models that exploit global geometric symmetries are inappropriate for cases where the actual distribution of local fiber strengths displays no such symmetries. This issue has not received much attention in the literature. Moreover, the model discretization at a specific length scale can have a profound effect on the computational costs associated with multiscale simulations.models that yield accurate yet tractable results.

Generalized Method of Cells↗
NASA NTRS1991

Effect of Fiber Strength on the Room Temperature Tensile Properties of Sic/Ti-24Al-11Nb

SCA-6 SiC fibers of known strength were incorporated into SiC/Ti-24Al-11Nb (at. percent) composites and the effect of fiber strength variability on room temperature composite strength was investigated. Fiber was etched out of a composite fabricated by the powder cloth technique and the effect of the fabrication process on fiber strength was assessed. The strength of the composite was directly correlated with the strength of the as-received fiber. The strength of composite plates containing mixed fiber strengths was dominated by the lower strength fiber. Fabrication by the powder cloth technique resulted in only a slight degradation of fiber strength. The strength of the composite was found to be overestimated by the rule of mixtures strength calculation. Examination of failed tensile specimens revealed periodic fiber cracks and the failure mode was concluded to be cumulative. With the variation in fiber strength eliminated, the composite UTS was found to have a positive correlation with volume fraction of fiber.

Draper, S. L.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Al2O3 fiber strength degradation in metal and intermetallic matrix composites

The mechanisms for fiber damage in single crystal Al2O3 fiber-reinforced composites were investigated. Both fiber fragmentation and fiber strength degradation were observed in composites with a variety of matrix compositions. Four mechanisms that may be contributing to the fiber strength loss have been proposed and include matrix reaction, reaction with binders, residual stress-induced damage, and pressure from hot pressing. The effect of matrix reaction was separated from the other three effects by sputter-coating the matrices on cleaned fibers and annealing with a temperature profile that simulates processing conditions. These experiments revealed that Y and Cr in FeCrAlY base alloys and Zr in NiAl alloys reacted with the fiber, and grooves and adherent particles were formed on the fiber surface which were responsible for the strength loss. The effects of the matrix reaction appeared to dominate over the other possible mechanisms, although evidence for reaction with binders was also found. Ridges on the fiber surface, which reflected the grain boundaries of the matrix, were also observed. In order for single-crystal Al2O3 to be used as a fiber in MMC's and IMC's, a matrix or protective coating which minimizes matrix reaction during processing will be necessary. Of the matrices investigated, the Thermo-span(sup TM) alloy was the least damaging to fiber properties.

ALUMINA/IRON CHROMIUM ALUMINUM↗
NASA NTRS1976

Changes in boron fiber strength due to surface removal by chemical etching

The effects of chemical etching on the tensile strength of commercial boron/tungsten fibers were investigated. Fibers with as-received diameters of 203, 143, and 100 micrometers were etched to diameters as small as 43 micrometers. The etching generally resulted in increasing fiber tensile strength with decreasing fiber diameter. And for the 203 micrometer fibers there was an accompanying significant decrease in the coefficient of variation of the tensile strength for diameters down to 89 micrometers. Heat treating these fibers above 1,173 K in a vacuum caused a marked decrease in the average tensile strength of at least 80 percent. But after the fibers were etched, their strengths exceeded the as-received strengths. The tensile strength behavior is explained in terms of etching effects on surface flaws and the residual stress pattern of the as-received fibers.

Smith, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Improving UV Resistance of High Strength Fibers Used In Large Scientific Balloons

For the last three decades, NASA has been involved in the development of giant balloons that are capable of lifting heavy payloads of equipment (such as large telescopes and scientific instruments) to the upper atmosphere. While the use of such balloons has led to scientific discoveries, the demand for competitive science payloads and observational programs continues to rise. The NASA Balloon Program Office has entered a new phase of research to develop an Ultra Long Duration Balloon (ULDB) that will lift payloads of up to 3,600 kg to altitudes of up to 40 km. The flight duration is targeted to ranges between 30 to 100 days. Attaining these target durations requires the development of a super-pressure balloon design. The use of textile structures have already been established in these missions in the form of high strength tendons essential for the super pressure pumpkin design. Unfortunately, high strength fibers lose significant strength upon exposure to Ultra Violet (UV) radiation. Such UV degradation poses a serious challenge for the development of the ULDB. To improve the mission performance of the ULDB, new methods for protecting the tendons from the environmental effects need to be developed. NASA and NC State University College of Textiles are undertaking a research program to address these issues. Four tracks have been identified to prepare finishes that are believed to enhance the resistance of high strength fibers to UV. These tracks are: (a) self-polymerizing, (b) diffusion application, (c) polymer-filled with 30-40% UV absorber, and (d) combination of dyeing plus surface application. Four high performance fibers have been selected for this research investigation. These are Vectran (trademark), Spectra (trademark), Kevlar (trademark) and, PBO (Zylon (trademark)). This work will address the current progress of evaluating the performance of the UV finishes. This will be accomplished by comparing the tensile properties (strength, breaking elongation, modulus, etc) of untreated, unexposed to UV fibers; untreated exposed to UV fibers; and treated exposed to UV fibers.

Said, M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Reinforcing aluminum alloys with high strength fibers

A study is made of the possibility of reinforcing aluminum and aluminum based alloys with fibers made of high strength steel wire. The method of introducing the fibers is described in detail. Additional strengthening by reinforcement of the high alloy system Al - An - Mg was investigated.

Kolpashnikov, A. I.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Investigation to develop a method to apply diffusion barrier to high strength fibers

A radio frequency powered ion plating process was used to apply the diffusion barriers of aluminum oxide, yttrium oxide, hafnium oxide and titanium carbide to a substrate tungsten fiber. Each of the coatings was examined as to its effect on both room temperature strength and tensile strength of the base tungsten fiber. The coated fibers were then overcoated with a nickel alloy to become single cell diffusion couples. These diffusion couples were exposed to 1093 C for 24 hours, cycled between room temperature and 1093 C, and given a thermal anneal for 100 hours at 1200 C. Tensile testing and metallographic examinations determined that the hafnium oxide coating produced the best high temperature diffusion barrier for tungsten of the four coatings.

Veltri, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Properties of PMR Polyimide composites made with improved high strength graphite fibers

High strength, intermediate modulus graphite fibers were obtained from various commercial suppliers, and were used to fabricate PMR-15 and PMR-2 polyimide composites. The effects of the improved high strength graphite fibers on composite properties after exposure in air at 600 F were investigated. Two of the improved fibers were found to have an adverse effect on the long term performance of PMR composites. The influence of various factors such as fiber physical properties, surface morphology and chemical composition were also examined.

Vannucci, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Tensile properties of an ultrahigh-strength graphite fiber in an epoxy matrix

The fiber performance and reinforcement potential for fiber composites of a special PAN-based graphite fiber were evaluated by testing the fiber's tensile properties in an epoxy matrix. Representative strand samples were taken from 30 spools of single-end, 1500-filament fiber to make over 5000 fiber/epoxy strand specimens using the filament-winding process. Characteristics studied were fiber uniformity, strength and modulus distributions at room and liquid-nitrogen temperatures, stress-strain behavior, the effect of strain rate on fiber strength, and acoustic emission during tensile loading to failure. The fiber was found to have a 3570-MPa failure stress, a 1.7% failure strain, a 206-GPa modulus, and a density of 1.77 Mg/cu m at 23 C. Liquid-nitrogen temperature and various strain rates had no significant effect on fiber tensile properties.

Chiao, T. T.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Effect of Composite Fabrication on the Strength of Single Crystal Al2O3 Fibers in Two Fe-Base Alloy Composites

Continuous single-crystal Al2O3 fibers have been incorporated into a variety of metal and intermetallic matrices and the results have consistently indicated that the fiber strength had been reduced by 32 to 50% during processing. Two iron-based alloys, FeNiCoCrAl and FeAlVCMn, were chosen as matrices for Al2O3 fiber reinforced metal matrix composites (MMC) with the goal of maintaining Al2O3 fiber strength after composite processing. The feasibility of Al2O3/FeNiCoCrAl and Al2O3/FeAlVCMn composite systems for high temperature applications were assessed in terms of fiber-matrix chemical compatibility, interfacial bond strength, and composite tensile properties. The strength of etched-out fibers was significantly improved by choosing matrices containing less reactive elements. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) values of the composites could generally be predicted with existing models using the strength of etched-out fibers. However, the UTS of the composites were less than desired due to a low fiber Weibull modulus. Acoustic emission analysis during tensile testing was a useful tool for determining the efficiency of the fibers in the composite and for determining the failure mechanism of the composites.

Draper, Susan L.↗
NASA NTRS1972

To improve the flame resistance of spandex elastic elastomeric fiber

Strength characteristics of fibers were improved to pass the 70% oxygen/30% nitrogen specification. Spinning techniques and information about incorporating these fibers in fabric structures using wrapping materials of Beta Fiberglas, Nomex, and PBI were developed.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1978

Ultra-high-strength boron fibers

Boron-on-tungsten fibers with tensile strength and strain-to-failure values increased by fifty percent over commercial grades are produced by controlled chemical-etching process. Improved fibers have potential applications as lightweight composites in ground vehicles, spacecraft, and rotors for energy storage.

Behrendt, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1973

An evaluation of upgraded boron fibers in epoxy-matrix composites

An initial evaluation of upgraded boron fibers in an epoxy matrix is performed. Data generated on the program show that fiber strength does increase as a consequence of the upgrading treatment. However, the interlaninar shear strength of upgraded fiber composites is lower than that for an untreated fiber composite. In the limited tests performed, the increased fiber strength failed to translate into the composite.

Rhodes, T. C.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Use of an ultrasonic-acoustic technique for nondestructive evaluation of fiber composite strength

This report describes the ultrasonic-acoustic technique used to measure a 'Stress Wave Factor'. In a prior study this factor was found effective in evaluating the interlaminar shear strength of fiber-reinforced composites. Details of the method used to measure the stress wave factor are described. In addition, frequency spectra of the stress waves are analyzed in order to clarify the nature of the wave phenomena involved. The stress wave factor can be measured with simple contact probes requiring only one-side access to a part. This is beneficial in nondestructive evaluations because the waves can run parallel to fiber directions and thus measure material properties in directions assumed by actual loads. Moreover, the technique can be applied where conventional through transmission techniques are impractical or where more quantitative data are required. The stress wave factor was measured for a series of graphite/polyimide composite panels and results obtained are compared with through transmission immersion ultrasonic scans.

Vary, A.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Progressive Failure And Life Prediction of Ceramic and Textile Composites

An engineering approach to predict the fatigue life and progressive failure of multilayered composite and textile laminates is presented. Analytical models which account for matrix cracking, statistical fiber failures and nonlinear stress-strain behavior have been developed for both composites and textiles. The analysis method is based on a combined micromechanics, fracture mechanics and failure statistics analysis. Experimentally derived empirical coefficients are used to account for the interface of fiber and matrix, fiber strength, and fiber-matrix stiffness reductions. Similar approaches were applied to textiles using Repeating Unit Cells. In composite fatigue analysis, Walker's equation is applied for matrix fatigue cracking and Heywood's formulation is used for fiber strength fatigue degradation. The analysis has been compared with experiment with good agreement. Comparisons were made with Graphite-Epoxy, C/SiC and Nicalon/CAS composite materials. For textile materials, comparisons were made with triaxial braided and plain weave materials under biaxial or uniaxial tension. Fatigue predictions were compared with test data obtained from plain weave C/SiC materials tested at AS&M. Computer codes were developed to perform the analysis. Composite Progressive Failure Analysis for Laminates is contained in the code CPFail. Micromechanics Analysis for Textile Composites is contained in the code MicroTex. Both codes were adapted to run as subroutines for the finite element code ABAQUS and CPFail-ABAQUS and MicroTex-ABAQUS. Graphic user interface (GUI) was developed to connect CPFail and MicroTex with ABAQUS.

Xue, David Y.↗