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At least 19 records

Tensile, Compression, Open-Hole Compression and Double Cantilever Beam Fracture Toughness Testing of Multiple NASA Langley Research Center Composite Materials

The attached data summarizes the work performed by the Composite Materials Research Group at the University of Wyoming funded by the NASA LaRC Research Grant NAG-1-1294. The work consisted primarily of tension, compression, open-hole compression and double cantilever beam fracture toughness testing performed an a variety of NASA LaRC composite materials. Tests were performed at various environmental conditions and pre-conditioning requirements. The primary purpose of this work was to support the LaRC material development efforts. The data summaries are arranged in chronological order from oldest to newest.

Adams, Donald F.↗

Effect of Loading Rate on the Open Hole Compression Strength of Quasi-Isotropic Carbon/Epoxy Laminates

This study was undertaken to examine how well the 0.05 inch/min loading rate typically used to develop allowables for open hole compression strength of carbon/epoxy laminates represents structures that may experience a much lower loading rate (such as civil engineering structures) or a much higher loading rate (such as a rocket interstage at liftoff). The Composite Materials Handbook-17 (CMH-17) suggests developing strength allowables at the coupon level (lowest level of the “building block” approach) and using a rigorous statistical analysis to arrive at a strength allowable upon which the structure is to be further designed at higher levels of the building block pyramid. But do these coupon level tests truly represent meaningful stresses at which the composite in the final structure can withstand considering the effects of loading rate? Open hole compression (OHC) strength was chosen for this study since most structures are designed to some damage tolerance criteria and OHC strength testing is rather simple to perform. A quasi-isotropic lay-up was chosen since this is a very common lay-up sequence. The results show that for structures that experience a very small loading rate (0.0005 in/min) the allowables developed at the standard 0.05 in/min loading rate are higher than what the composite can withstand at this lower loading rate. Conversely, at a high loading rate of 10 in/min the strength values found at the standard test rate of 0.05 in/min are slightly lower and not “in family” using the statistics suggested in CMH-17. These results question if standardized test rates are reliable, at least to the fidelity of being “in family” per CMH-17. Some creep rupture tests were also performed to demonstrate that OHC strength values could be lower than the slowest test speed used in this study (0.0005 in/min).

open hole compression strength↗

Analysis of Open Hole Compression Specimens Using the CompDam Continuum Damage Mechanics Model

This report documents a validation study on the standard Open Hole Compression (OHC) laminate test specimen conducted as part of the NASA Advanced Composites Project (ACP). Tests were conducted on OHC specimens with hard, quasi-isotropic, and soft layups using digital image correlation and X-Ray computed tomography to capture the structural response and damage evolution. Progressive damage models were constructed for use with the CompDam continuum damage mechanics code following the best practices established during the ACP. Detailed interrogation of the analysis results and comparison with experimental measurements provide a basis for assessing the capability of the modeling approach for OHC. The structural response is found to be captured well, with strengths predicted within 3\% of the experimental values for hard and quasi-isotropic laminates. In the soft laminate, the model predicts failure to be more brittle than the nonlinear, ductile response that was measured. Damage states extracted from the models at the same load level as test measurements are overlaid to show directly the similarities and differences between test and analysis results. Studying the damage evolution predicted by the analysis reveals that the failure process is a competition between fiber damage and delamination/sub-laminate buckling, with fiber damage dominating the collapse in the hard laminate and sub-laminate buckling governing in the soft laminate. Finally, a series of parametric studies varying numerical solution parameters (mesh size, mass scaling) and physical properties (fiber direction compressive strength and toughness) reveal sensitivities and deficiencies of the model. To the authors' knowledge, this study is the first for OHC specimens to include detailed evaluation of damage mode interactions, direct overlay of predicted and measured damage states, and sensitivity of the predicted results to difficult-to-measure fiber direction material properties.

Continuum damage mechanics↗

New Developments in the CompDam Fiber Kinking Model for the Interaction of Kinking and Splitting Cracks with Application to Open Hole Compression Specimens

This paper describes two new additions to the NASA fiber kinking model: 1) A failure index for fiber kinking is developed to facilitate interaction between kinking and matrix cracking and 2) A criterion for fiber rupture is introduced to account for fiber breakage before or after fiber kinking. The model formulation is described with the aid of graphical Considered constructions to elucidate the behavior. Verification studies are conducted with single element models to show the behavior of the model in light of the new developments and to evaluate the effect of numerical parameters of the model. The model is used to analyze open hole compression specimens with soft, quasi-isotropic, and hard layups. Analysis results are shown for a conventional continuum damage mechanics model as well as the proposed model to highlight the differences between the two. Comparison with test data highlights the capabilities and remaining gaps in the quantitative prediction of damage evolution in open hole compression. Overall, the results show that the proposed model is capable of representing the kinematics of fiber kinking, and specifically the role of fiber kinking in open hole compression.

Andrew Cole Bergan↗

Comparison of Open-Hole Compression Strength and Compression After Impact Strength on Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Laminates for the Ares I Composite Interstage

Notched (open hole) composite laminates were tested in compression. The effect on strength of various sizes of through holes was examined. Results were compared to the average stress criterion model. Additionally, laminated sandwich structures were damaged from low-velocity impact with various impact energy levels and different impactor geometries. The compression strength relative to damage size was compared to the notched compression result strength. Open-hole compression strength was found to provide a reasonable bound on compression after impact.

Hodge, Andrew J.↗

Hot/Wet Open Hole Compression Strength of Carbon/Epoxy Laminates for Launch Vehicle Applications

This Technical Memorandum examines the effects of heat and absorbed moisture on the open hole compression strength of carbon/epoxy laminates with the material and layup intended for the Ares I composite interstage. The knockdown due to temperature, amount of moisture absorbed, and the interaction between these two are examined. Results show that temperature is much more critical than the amount of moisture absorbed. The environmental knockdown factor was found to be low for this material and layup and thus obtaining a statistically significant number for this value needs to be weighed against a program s cost and schedule since basis values, damage tolerance, and safety factors all contribute much more to the overall knockdown factor.

Nettles, Alan T.↗

Inverse Method for Estimation of Composite Kink-Band Toughness from Open-Hole Compression Strength Data

Fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite materials can fail by kink-band propagation mechanism when subjected to in-plane compressive loading. This mode of failure is especially prevalent in compressive loading of laminates with holes, cut-outs, or impact damage. Most of the successful models for predicting compressive strength of such laminates require “fracture” toughness associated with kink-band propagation under in-plane compression. However, this property is difficult to measure experimentally, limiting the use of such models in design practice. In this paper an inverse method is proposed to estimate the kink-band toughness of the laminate from its open-hole compression strength data, which is an easier property to measure experimentally. Furthermore, a scaling relationship is proposed to estimate kink-band toughness for other laminate configurations of the same material.

Luke Borkowski↗

Performance of resin transfer molded multiaxial warp knit composites

Composite materials that are subjected to complex loads have traditionally been fabricated with multidirectionally oriented prepreg tape materials. Some of the problems associated with this type of construction include low delamination resistance, poor out-of-plane strength, and labor intensive fabrication processes. Textile reinforced composites with through-the-thickness reinforcement have the potential to solve some of these problems. Recently, a relatively new class of noncrimp fabrics designated as multiaxial warp knits have been developed to minimize some of the high cost and damage tolerance concerns. Multiple stacks of warp knit fabrics can be knitted or stitched together to reduce layup labor cost. The through-the-thickness reinforcement can provide significant improvements in damage tolerance and out-of-plane strength. Multilayer knitted/stitched preforms, in conjunction with resin transfer molding (RTM), offer potential for significant cost savings in fabrication of primary aircraft structures. The objectives of this investigation were to conduct RTM processing studies and to characterize the mechanical behavior of composites reinforced with three multiaxial warp knit fabrics. The three fabrics investigated were produced by Hexcel and Milliken in the United States, and Saerbeck in Germany. Two resin systems, British Petroleum E9O5L and 3M PR 500, were characterized for RTM processing. The performance of Hexcel and Milliken quasi-isotropic knitted fabrics are compared to conventional prepreg tape laminates. The performance of the Saerbeck fabric is compared to uniweave wing skin layups being investigated by Douglas Aircraft Company in the NASA Advanced Composites Technology (ACT) program. Tests conducted include tension, open hole tension, compression, open hole compression, and compression after impact. The effects of fabric defects, such as misaligned fibers and gaps between tows, on material performance are also discussed. Estimated material and labor cost savings are projected for the Saerbeck fabric as compared to uniweave fabric currently being used by Douglas in the NASA ACT wing development program.

Dexter, H. Benson↗

A comparison of graphite/epoxy tape laminates and 2-D braided composites mechanical properties

A comparison of the mechanical properties of unidirectional composite tape laminates and of two-dimensional triaxially braided composite was conducted. The tape laminate layups were designed to match the percentage of axial fibers and the angle of the bias tows in the braided composite. The materials system used for the laminates is AS4/3501-6 which was chosen as the closest available match to As4/1895 used for the braids. The strength and stiffness properties measured here include tension, open-hole tension, filled-hole tension, compression and open-hole compression, all of these in both the longitudinal and transverse direction. Results show that the longitudinal modulus of both material forms is quite similar, but that the transverse modulus of the braids is lower. In terms of strength, the longitudinal unnotched strength of the braids is lower than that of the laminates, while the transverse strength is significantly lower. For both strength and stiffness, the crimp in the bias tows of the braid is probably the main cause for reduced properties. On the other hand, a very significant increase in open-hole and filled-hole tension strength was observed for the braids compared to the tape laminates. However, this was not observed in compression where all the braid properties are lower than for the laminates.

Minguet, Pierre J.↗

A comparison of graphite/epoxy tape laminates and 2-D braided composites mechanical properties

A comparison of the in-plane mechanical properties of unidirectional composite tape laminates and of two dimensional triaxially braided composite was conducted. The tape laminate layups were designed to match the percentage of axial fibers and the angle of the bias tows in the braided composite. The material system used for the laminates is AS4/3501-6 which was chosen as the closest available match to AS4/1895 used for the braids. This report documents the results of the testing of the laminates and compares these results with data previously obtained for the braided composite. The strength and stiffness properties measured here include tension, open-hole tension, filled-hole tension, compression, and open-hole compression, all of these in both the longitudinal and transverse direction, as well as in-plane shear and bearing.

Minguet, Pierre J.↗

Effect of Impact Damage and Open Hole on Compressive Strength of Hybrid Composite Laminates

Impact damage tolerance is a frequently listed design requirement for composites hardware. The effect of impact damage and open hole size on laminate compressive strength was studied on sandwich beam specimens which combine CFRP-GFRP hybrid skins and a syntactic foam core. Three test specimen configurations have been investigated for this study. The first two were sandwich beams which were loaded in pure bending (by four point flexure). One series had a skin damaged by impact, and the second series had a circular hole machined through one of the skins. The reduction of compressive strength with increasing damage (hole) size was compared. Additionally a third series of uniaxially loaded open hole compression coupons were tested to generate baseline data for comparison with both series of sandwich beams.

Hiel, Clement↗

Test methods for textile composites

Various test methods commonly used for measuring properties of tape laminate composites were evaluated to determine their suitability for the testing of textile composites. Three different types of textile composites were utilized in this investigation: two-dimensional (2-D) triaxial braids, stitched uniweave fabric, and three-dimensional (3-D) interlock woven fabric. Four 2-D braid architectures, five stitched laminates, and six 3-D woven architectures were tested. All preforms used AS4 fibers and were resin-transfer-molded with Shell RSL-1895 epoxy resin. Ten categories of material properties were investigated: tension, open-hole tension, compression, open-hole compression, in-plane shear, filled-hole tension, bolt bearing, interlaminar tension, interlaminar shear, and interlaminar fracture toughness. Different test methods and specimen sizes were considered for each category of test. Strength and stiffness properties obtained with each of these methods are documented in this report for all the material systems mentioned above.

Minguet, Pierre J.↗

Characterization of multiaxial warp knit composites

The objectives were to characterize the mechanical behavior and damage tolerance of two multiaxial warp knit fabrics to determine the acceptability of these fabrics for high performance composite applications. The tests performed included compression, tension, open hole compression, compression after impact and compression-compression fatigue. Tests were performed on as-fabricated fabrics and on multi-layer fabrics that were stitched together with either carbon or Kevlar stitching yarn. Results of processing studies for vacuum impregnation with Hercules 3501-6 epoxy resin and pressure impregnation with Dow Tactix 138/H41 epoxy resin and British Petroleum BP E905L epoxy resin are presented.

Dexter, H. Benson↗

A detailed investigation of the micromechanisms of compressive failure in open hole composite laminates

Micromechanisms responsible for compressive failure in open-hole composite laminates were investigated. Specimens containing circular center holes were loaded in compression to failure at a slow rate, and the surface damage development during loading was monitored. Several coupon compression tests were interrupted prior to catastrophic failure to allow for the assessment of fiber shear crippling and/or fiber microbuckling by NDE techniques. From these sectioning studies, the extent and mode of failure were determined, and a three-dimensional schematic of the shear crippling zone was developed. Results show that the majority of the damage in compression-loaded open-hole composite laminates is shear crippled or microbuckled 0-deg fibers; in many cases, however, the shear crippling damage within the 0-deg plies produced shear strains and damage in the adjacent off-axis plies.

Guynn, E. Gail↗

Standard Test Methods for Textile Composites

Standard testing methods for composite laminates reinforced with continuous networks of braided, woven, or stitched fibers have been evaluated. The microstructure of these textile' composite materials differs significantly from that of tape laminates. Consequently, specimen dimensions and loading methods developed for tape type composites may not be applicable to textile composites. To this end, a series of evaluations were made comparing testing practices currently used in the composite industry. Information was gathered from a variety of sources and analyzed to establish a series of recommended test methods for textile composites. The current practices established for laminated composite materials by ASTM and the MIL-HDBK-17 Committee were considered. This document provides recommended test methods for determining both in-plane and out-of-plane properties. Specifically, test methods are suggested for: unnotched tension and compression; open and filled hole tension; open hole compression; bolt bearing; and interlaminar tension. A detailed description of the material architectures evaluated is also provided, as is a recommended instrumentation practice.

Masters, John E.↗

Evaluation of RTM370 Polyimide Composites by Resin Film Infusion (RFI)

RTM370 imide oligomer based on 2,3,3',4'-biphenyl dianhydride (a-BPDA), 3,4'-oxydianiline (3,4'-ODA) and terminated with the 4-phenylethynylphthalic (PEPA) endcap has been shown to exhibit a low melt viscosity (10-30 poise) at 280 C with a pot-life of 1-2 h and a high cured glass-transition temperature (Tg) of 370 C. RTM370 resin has been successfully infused into fiberglass-stitched T650-35 carbon-fabric preforms (ranged from 3- to 6-mm thick) by resin film infusion (RFI). The resulting composite panels were inspected by ultrasonic C-scan and by photomicrographs before and after post-curing as a quality control. Mechanical tests such as unnotched compression (UNC), open-hole compression (OHC), and short-beam shear strength (SBS) at ambient and elevated temperatures were performed before and after isothermal aging at 288 C for 1000 h to assess high-temperature performance. Thermal cycling of RTM370 stitched composites was also conducted from -54 C to 288 C for up to 1600 cycles to evaluate the microcrack resistance of RTM370 polyimide composites fabricated by RFI.

Polyimide↗

Micromechanics of compression failures in open hole composite laminates

The high strength-to-weight ratio of composite materials is ideally suited for aerospace applications where they already are used in commercial and military aircraft secondary structures and will soon be used for heavily loaded primary structures. One area impeding the widespread application of composites is their inherent weakness in compressive strength when compared to the tensile properties of the same material. Furthermore, these airframe designs typically contain many bolted or riveted joints, as well as electrical and hydraulic control lines. These applications produce areas of stress concentration, and thus, further complicate the compression failure problem. Open hole compression failures which represent a typical failure mode for composite materials are addressed.

Guynn, E. Gail↗