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Results for “FLEXURAL 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 NTRS1979

Effects of moisture on apparent flexure strength and on torsion and flexure fatigue properties of graphite-epoxy composites

The effects of moisture and temperature on unidirectional and multi-ply laminates of T300/934 and AS/3501 graphite-epoxy systems were investigated. Properties studied were static flexure strength and flexure and torsion fatigue strengths at room temperature and at 74 C. Specimens with increased moisture content showed a reduced static flexure strength; water as the test environment had only a negligible influence. In flexure fatigue and torsion fatigue, the water environment caused somewhat reduced fatigue strengths at room temperature and significantly greater degradation in 74 C water. The failure mode in all cases was interlaminar delamination.

Sumsion, H. T.↗
DOE OSTI2019

Effects of the addition of boron nitride nanoplate on the fracture toughness, flexural strength, and Weibull Distribution of hydroxyapatite composites prepared by spark plasma sintering

Hydroxyapatite (HA) has inherently low fracture toughness and low flexural strength, thus limiting it from wide scale application as an implant material in the biomedical field. To increase the fracture toughness and flexural strength, HA composites were fabricated by adding boron nitride nanoplatelets (BNNP) as reinforcement. Spark plasma sintering was utilized to achieve fine grain structure. The addition of BNNP facilitated grain size refinement. The BNNP reinforced HA composites exhibited increased fracture toughness (2.3 MPa m 1/2 ) and flexural strength (79.79 MPa) of HA over previous published values (1.0 MPa m 1/2 ). Despite that the Weibull Distribution indicated a sacrifice in mechanical reliability, all the composites fabricated in this study showed a low probability of failure and a factor of safety (~ 5.6) that is consistent with that of human bones (~ 6). In addition, the current study provides an approach to statistically design sintering parameters and mechanical loading for fabrication of ceramics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1993

Fuzzy sets predict flexural strength and density of silicon nitride ceramics

In this work, we utilize fuzzy sets theory to evaluate and make predictions of flexural strength and density of NASA 6Y silicon nitride ceramic. Processing variables of milling time, sintering time, and sintering nitrogen pressure are used as an input to the fuzzy system. Flexural strength and density are the output parameters of the system. Data from 273 Si3N4 modulus of rupture bars tested at room temperature and 135 bars tested at 1370 C are used in this study. Generalized mean operator and Hamming distance are utilized to build the fuzzy predictive model. The maximum test error for density does not exceed 3.3 percent, and for flexural strength 7.1 percent, as compared with the errors of 1.72 percent and 11.34 percent obtained by using neural networks, respectively. These results demonstrate that fuzzy sets theory can be incorporated into the process of designing materials, such as ceramics, especially for assessing more complex relationships between the processing variables and parameters, like strength, which are governed by randomness of manufacturing processes.

Cios, Krzysztof J.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Rotational flexural strength of cylindrical brittle specimens

Conventional static flexural strength testing of brittle cylindrical rods only subjects a small fraction of the entire specimen's area or volume to the maximum tensile stress. Thus, a nonconservative measured strength likely results since most flaws on the surface or in the bulk are not subjected to a sufficiently high tensile stress that can cause fracture. Here, to mitigate this, a rotational flexural tester and corresponding test method were developed whereby rotation and monotonically increasing three-point flexure were superimposed to investigate fracture response of solid glass cylinders. This combination of rotation and flexure subjects more area and volume of a cylindrical test specimen to tensile stress than a standard static (nonrotating) flexural test. As anticipated, failure stresses were lower for the rotational flexural test. Expressions for effective area and volume are provided for rotating solid rods and tubes subjected to three-point, four-point, uniform, and uniformly distributed load bending configurations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1993

Effects of thermal and mechanical fatigue on the flexural strength of G40-600/PMR-15 cross-ply laminates

The effects of thermal and mechanical fatigue on the flexural strength of G40-600/PMR-15 cross-ply laminates with ply orientation of (0(2),90(2))2S and (90(2),0(2))2S are examined. The relative importance of shear and tensile stresses is examined by varying the span-to-depth ratios of flexural test specimens from 8 to 45. Acoustic emission signals are measured during the flexural tests in order to monitor the initiation and growth of damage. Optical microscopy is used to examine specimens for resin cracking, delamination, and fiber breaks after testing. Transverse matrix cracks and delaminations occur in all specimens, regardless of ply orientation, span-to-depth ratio, or previous exposure of specimens to thermal and mechanical fatigue. A small amount of fiber tensile fracture occurs in the outer 0 deg ply of specimens with high span-to-depth ratios. Because of the complex failure modes, the flexural test results represent the 'apparent' strengths rather than the true flexural or shear strengths for these cross-ply laminates. Thermal cycling of specimens prior to flexural testing does not reduce the apparent flexural strength or change the mode of failure. However, fewer acoustic events are recorded at all strains during flexural testing of specimens exposed to prior thermal cycling. High temperature thermal cycling (32 to 260 C, 100 cycles) causes a greater reduction in acoustic events than low temperature thermal cycling (-85 to +85 C, 500 cycles). Mechanical cycling (0 to 50 percent of the flexural strength, 100 cycles) has a similar effect, except that acoustic events are reduced only at strains less than the maximum strain applied during flexural fatigue.

Roberts, Gary D.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Multi-faceted framework for extrapolating early age flexural strength to facilitate rapid lifting/handling of high-volume fly ash precast members

Maintaining adequate early-age structural performance for precast concrete components has grown in importance as more sustainable mix designs become more widespread. Achieving high-early flexural strength is particularly crucial to facilitate rapid removal of hardened concrete components from formwork, often within 24 h after fresh concrete placement. Limited research has assessed the effectiveness of traditional design methods in correlating flexural strength with compressive strength for next-generation mix designs, or demonstrated extrapolation of such material performance to larger-scale structural tests. This paper presents a multi-faceted framework to reassess early-age flexural strength for concretes made with relatively high proportions of fly ash from both fresh and harvested sources. Here, the framework provides several pathways, from which the user can select based upon available resources and the specific application, to improve accuracy of early-age cracking moment calculations. Furthermore, the scope includes evaluation of strength performance under curing conditions emulative of those in a precast facility, recommending modulus of rupture equations which are more performance-driven than current design provisions, and experimental tests on prefabricated concrete beams to validate the proposed methodologies. Correlations of early-age strength with both concrete age and maturity measurements compare the effectiveness of utilizing in-situ data to further enhance the prediction methods. Ultimately, the proposed framework helped reduce errors when calculating cracking moment capacity at early ages by tailoring calculations to reflect mix-dependent behavior. Furthermore, most estimates of cracking moment were within 25 % of their corresponding experimental test results, thus promoting confidence for using these strategies with high-volume fly ash precast structures.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2019

Grade 2114: Flexure Strength and Elastic Properties

This document reports flexural strength, bulk density, and elastic constants data (the last determined by two separate methods) for Mersen grade 2114, billet 116310. These data are needed to support the design of graphite core components. This technical memorandum is responsive to work package AT-19OR03050405, “Graphite Materials Properties—ORNL.”

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Effect of Weld Consumable Conditioning on the Diffusible Hydrogen and Subsequent Residual Stress and Flexural Strength of Multipass Welded P91 Steels

P91 steel weld joint was prepared using the shielded metal arc welding process and four different conditions of weld consumable that provide the different levels of diffusible hydrogen in deposited metal. In the present research, the effects of diffusible hydrogen content on the flexural strength, lower critical stress, and tensile strength of P91 steel welds were also determined with respect to different electrode conditions. To investigate the effect of diffusible hydrogen on multipass welding, top and root side flexural tests were performed. The residual stresses (axial stress and transverse stress) were also measured using the blind hole drilling method for different conditions of welding consumable. The peak value of residual stresses was measured at the center of the weld fusion zone. The maximum value of transverse stress was measured to be 355 MPa for case II (6.21 mL/100 g of diffusible hydrogen), while the maximum axial stress was about 218 MPa for case IV (12.43 mL/100 g of diffusible hydrogen). A three-dimensional finite element simulation was also performed to predict the residual stress distribution and thermal profile along the welded joint. The experimentally determined residual stresses correlated well with the numerically estimated residual stresses. The diffusible hydrogen content was not observed to have any significant effect on the residual stresses. The corrected residual stress values were also predicted by considering the plasticity-induced error. However, the flexural performance of the welded joint was affected by the diffusible hydrogen content. The top and root flexural strength was measured to be optimum for the low level of diffusible hydrogen content, and the values decreased with an increase in diffusible hydrogen content.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Ball-on-ring test validation for equibiaxial flexural strength testing of engineered ceramics

The validation of a ball-on-ring, equibiaxial flexural strength method to obtain the transverse rupture strength (TRS) of right cylindrical ceramic specimens was performed in this study. Validation of the test method was achieved using commercially available engineered high purity alumina disks and finite element (FE) model analysis. The validated fixture was then used to obtain the TRS and Weibull statistical analysis of MgO-partially stabilized zirconia (MSZ) and Y 2 O 3 -partially stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramic disks. TRS data for alumina, MSZ, and YSZ agreed with the TRS values reported in the literature. A statistically relevant number of samples (N > 30) for each material were tested to allow for a Weibull statistical analysis. Weibull parameters for these materials were within the expected values for engineered ceramics. The characteristic strength for alumina, MSZ, and YSZ were determined to be 289, 786, and 814 MPa, respectively. The Weibull modulus was determined between 10 and 25 for each material, which is typical of engineered ceramics. In addition, FE model results were in close agreement with experimental fracture values for the three ceramic materials tested in this study.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1979

Tensile and flexural strength of nongraphitic superhybrid composites - Predictions and comparisons

Equations are presented and described which can be used to predict bounds on the tensile and flexural strengths of nongraphitic superhybrid (NGSH) composites. These equations are derived by taking into account the measured stress-strain behavior, the lamination residual stresses and the sequence of events leading to fracture. The required input for using these equations includes constituent composites, elastic and strength properties, NGSH elastic properties, cure temperature, and ply stress influence coefficients. Results predicted by these equations are in reasonably good agreement with measured data for strength and for the apparent 'knees' in the nonlinear stress-strain curve. The lower bound values are conservative compared to measured data. These equations are relatively simple and should be suitable for use in the preliminary design and initial sizing of structural components made from NGSH composites.

Chamis, C. C.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Equibiaxial flexural strength determination of UO 2 using a ball-on-ring test

To increase nuclear fuel performance and reliability, their mechanical properties require an accurate and statistically relevant assessment. Biaxial flexural strength tests provide an alternative to bend bar techniques for assessing mechanical behavior; namely, the transverse rupture strength (TRS) of ceramic samples. Biaxial test samples require simple geometries and minimal surface preparation, reducing fabrication costs and handling hazards. This study investigated the TRS of polycrystalline UO 2 fuel forms at room temperature using a ball-on-ring test fixture. Here, pellets were fabricated from UO 2 powder using conventional powder processing and sintering techniques. The TRS and Weibull parameters were obtained through Weibull statistics on over 60 UO 2 samples tested under equibiaxial flexure. The larger sample size in this study enabled a more robust Weibull statistical analysis than alternative test methods, which may not capture the stochastic failure of typical ceramics. Furthermore, two different loading ball diameters were employed to assess the impact of contact damage on fracture strength. While Hertzian contact damage was observed with the smaller loading ball, the fracture strength remained unaffected. A fracture analysis of the tested UO 2 samples indicated a mixture of intergranular and transgranular fracture that transitions to transgranular fracture with increasing distance from the fracture origin. The characteristic strength of the combined data sets was determined to be 148 MPa, and the Weibull modulus was determined to be 9.1. The TRS values and Weibull parameters were close to values found in the literature for alternative testing techniques using samples with similar microstructure and density. The findings in this study validate the ball-on-ring method used to obtain the TRS of UO 2 with a sample geometry more representative of nuclear fuels. Additionally, experimental TRS results from this study can be implemented in modeling codes to predict fuel performance, which is critical to fuel burnup extension and advanced nuclear fuel technologies.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRS1979

Tensile and flexural strength of non-graphitic superhybrid composites: Predictions and comparisons

Equations are presented and described which can be used to predict bounds on the tensile and flexural strengths of nongraphitic superhybrid (NGSH) composites. These equations are derived by taking into account the measured stress-strain behavior, the lamination residual stresses and the sequence of events leading to fracture. The required input for using these equations includes constituents, properties (elastic and strength), NGSH elastic properties, cure temperature, and ply stress influence coefficients. Results predicted by these equations are in reasonably good agreement with measured data for strength and for the apparent knees in the nonlinear stress-strain curve. The lower bound values are conservative compared to measured data. These equations are relatively simple and are suitable for use in the preliminary design and initial sizing of structural components made from NGSH composites.

Chamis, C. C.↗
DOE OSTI2013

Biaxial Flexural Strength of Poled Lead Zirconate Titanate under High Electric Field with Extended Field Range

In the present work, as-received poled lead zirconate titanate, or PZT 5A, was examined using ball-on-ring (BoR) mechanical testing coupled with an electric field. Electric fields in the range of 4Ec (Ec, coercive field) with controlled loading paths were applied, and mechanical tests at a substantial number of characteristic electric field levels were conducted. Commercial electronic liquid FC-40 was used to prevent the setup from dielectric breakdown under a high electric field. Weibull strength distribution was used to interpret the mechanical strength data. The data showed that the strength levels of the PZT-5A tested under OC (open circuit) in air and in FC-40 were almost the same. It was further revealed that , for the studied cases, the effect of loading history on the biaxial flexural strength of the PZT was significant in -Ec, but not in OC or zero field as well as 4Ec . An asymmetry V curve was observed for the characteristic strength-electric field graph, and the bottom of V curve was located near the negative coercive field. Microscopy analysis showed that surface-located volume-distributed flaws were the strength limiter and responsible for the failure of the tested PZT under electromechanical loadings.

Zhang, Kewei↗
DOE OSTI2024

Microstructural characterization and equibiaxial flexural strength of CeO 2 and Ti-doped CeO 2

In this study, the synthesis of CeO 2 and titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) doped CeO 2 (TDC) monoliths are investigated, and their fracture strength is assessed using an equibiaxial flexure testing technique at room temperature. Pellets were synthesized using conventional powder processing and sintering methods to produce the desired characteristics. The TiO 2 dopant concentration was optimized at 0.1 wt % TiO 2 to obtain dense, solid-solution pellets with an enhanced grain microstructure. A ball-on-ring fixture was used to obtain the TRS and Weibull parameters of over 30 pellets for CeO 2 and 0.1 wt % TDC to compare fracture behavior. The TRS of CeO 2 pellets ranged from 88 to 160 MPa and the TRS of 0.1 wt % TDC pellets ranged from 102 to 171 MPa, both being consistent with published values. Weibull parameters, such as characteristic strength and Weibull modulus, were extracted as 129 MPa and 8.5 for CeO 2 and 150 MPa and 9.3 for 0.1 wt % TDC, respectively. Although Hertzian contact damage was observed on compressive surfaces, failure initiation occurred on the tensile surfaces of both types of samples. Fracture surface analysis for CeO 2 indicated a predominantly intergranular fracture while 0.1 wt % TDC had a predominantly transgranular fracture mode. Finally, the TRS of 0.1 wt % TDC resulted in increased Weibull parameters when compared to CeO 2 , indicating sample chemistry and microstructure impact mechanical behavior for these samples.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Effect of sintering temperature on feature resolution and flexural strength of ceramics fabricated through vat photopolymerization additive manufacturing

Although ceramic additive manufacturing (AM) could be used to fabricate complex, high-resolution parts for diverse, functional applications, one ongoing challenge is optimizing the post-process, particularly sintering, conditions to consistently produce geometrically accurate and mechanically robust parts. This study aims to investigate how sintering temperature affects feature resolution and flexural properties of silica-based parts formed by vat photopolymerization (VPP) AM. Test artifacts were designed to evaluate features of different sizes, shapes and orientations, and three-point bend specimens printed in multiple orientations were used to evaluate mechanical properties. Sintering temperatures were varied between 1000°C and 1300°C. Deviations from designed dimensions often increased with higher sintering temperatures and/or larger features. Higher sintering temperatures yielded parts with higher strength and lower strain at break. Many features exhibited defects, often dependent on geometry and sintering temperature, highlighting the need for further analysis of debinding and sintering parameters. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time test artifacts have been designed for ceramic VPP. This work also offers insights into the effect of sintering temperature and print orientation on flexural properties. These results provide design guidelines for a particular material, while the methodology outlined for assessing feature resolution and flexural strength is broadly applicable to other ceramics, enabling more predictable part performance when considering the future design and manufacture of complex ceramic parts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Flexural strength of a conventionally processed and additively manufactured debased 94% alumina

Mechanical strength of a 94 wt% debased alumina was measured using ASTM-C1161 specimens fabricated via conventional and lithography-based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) methods. The effects of build orientation and a 1500°C wet hydrogen fire added to the LCM firing sequence on strength were evaluated. Additionally, a Weibull fit to the conventional flexural specimen data yielded 20 and 356 MPa for the modulus and characteristic strength, respectively. Weibull fits of the data from the LCM specimens yielded moduli between 7.5 and 11.3 and characteristics strengths between 333 and 339 MPa. A Weibull fit to data from LCM specimens subjected to the wet hydrogen fire yielded 14.2 and 376 MPa for the modulus and characteristic strength, respectively. The 95% confidence intervals for all Weibull parameters are reported. Average Archimedes bulk densities of LCM and conventional specimens were 3.732 and 3.730 g/cm 3 , respectively. Process dependent differences in surface morphology were observed in scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of specimen surfaces. SEM images of LCM specimen cross-sections showed alumina grain texture dependent on build direction, but no evidence of porosity concentrated in planes between printed layers. Fracture surfaces of LCM and conventionally processed specimens revealed hackle lines and mirror regions indicative of fracture initiation at the sample surface rather than the interior.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗