Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Engineering Science and Materials Commons™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Air Force Institute of Technology

Discipline
Keyword
Publication Year
Publication
Publication Type

Articles 91 - 120 of 176

Full-Text Articles in Engineering Science and Materials

Evaluation Of Factors Contributing To Damping Of Coated And Uncoated Titanium Plates, Dustin W. Lee Mar 2006

Evaluation Of Factors Contributing To Damping Of Coated And Uncoated Titanium Plates, Dustin W. Lee

Theses and Dissertations

High Cycle Fatigue (HCF) is the leading cause of component failure in gas turbine engines today, which poses great risk to aircraft, engines, and their crews. Mitigation of HCF effects has become a priority topic, and the damping benefits of hard coatings are being reevaluated for this purpose. Research was conducted to further understanding of damping measurements on these coatings. This study continues work to characterize the damping effects of a magnesium aluminate spinel (mag spinel) coating applied to a titanium plate via vibration testing. Two different plate sizes were evaluated in a clamped-free-free-free condition and a free-free-free-free condition, respectively. …

Go to article

Fretting Fatigue Behavior Of Nickel Alloy In-100, Elhoucine Madhi Mar 2006

Fretting Fatigue Behavior Of Nickel Alloy In-100, Elhoucine Madhi

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, a systematic investigation of the fretting fatigue behavior of nickel alloy, IN-100 was carried out. The study includes both experimental work and the corresponding analysis of the contact conditions, and the latter is accomplished using the finite element method. Fretting fatigue tests were performed over a wide range of axial stresses to examine both low and high cycle fretting fatigue under constant contact load and the influence of different pad geometries was also explored. It was observed that fretting reduced the fatigue strength of IN- 100, and that increasing cylindrical pad radii does not have the same …

Go to article

Validation Of A Scaled Plane Strain Hypervelocity Gouging Model, Ronald J. Pendleton Mar 2006

Validation Of A Scaled Plane Strain Hypervelocity Gouging Model, Ronald J. Pendleton

Theses and Dissertations

The phenomenon of high speed impact is of great interest to the Air Force of Scientific Research and the Air Force Research Laboratory's Holloman High Speed test track. Rocket sled tests at the facility frequently are limited to velocities lower than actually attainable due to damage to the rail in the form of gouges. Direct observation of the gouging phenomenon is not currently possible. This leaves computational modeling as the only means to study the phenomenon. A computer model has previously been used to model the development of gouging at the Holloman High Speed Test Track. However, this model has …

Go to article

Effect Of Hold Times On Fatigue Behavior Of Nextel 720™/Alumina Ceramic Matrix Composite At 1200°C In Air And In Steam Environment, John M. Mehrman Mar 2006

Effect Of Hold Times On Fatigue Behavior Of Nextel 720™/Alumina Ceramic Matrix Composite At 1200°C In Air And In Steam Environment, John M. Mehrman

Theses and Dissertations

The aerospace field requires structural materials that can maintain superior mechanical properties while subjected to high temperatures and oxidizing environments. This research investigated the effect of hold times at maximum load on fatigue performance of a Nextel 720/Alumina ceramic matrix composite at 1200 C, explored the influence of environment on material response to cyclic loading with hold times at maximum load, and assessed the effects of loading history on material behavior and environmental durability. The N720/A composite relies on an oxide/oxide composition for inherent oxidation resistance and a porous matrix with no interphase between the fiber and matrix for damage …

Go to article

Structural Health Monitoring Considering Internal Beam Damage, Jessica B. Chronister Mar 2006

Structural Health Monitoring Considering Internal Beam Damage, Jessica B. Chronister

Theses and Dissertations

The present study establishes a nondestructive method of damage detection and assessment in cantilever beams. The specimens used are twelve-inch aluminum 2024-T3 beams with machined notches of varying lengths and locations. Laser Doppler vibrometry is used to obtain the frequency response of vibrating beams. Experimental methods are developed to detect the presence, location and extent of damage by direct observation of the eigenvector in the third through eighth modes. Models in MATLAB and ABAQUS are used to predict and validate the observed data. With this experimental method developed, the validity of the method is tested for specimens that have been …

Go to article

Development Of In-Plane Surface Deformation Sensing For Thin Film Pvdf Actuated Membrane Mirrors, John J. Cornelius Mar 2006

Development Of In-Plane Surface Deformation Sensing For Thin Film Pvdf Actuated Membrane Mirrors, John J. Cornelius

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the feasibility of surface deformation sensing of a membrane mirror using only embedded PVDF sensors. Results were compared to measured deformations using a scanning laser vibrometer. The frequency response function (FRF) was measured based on recorded voltages of a single-layer 7-sensor mirror actuated externally from the embedded PVDF actuators. Additionally, a two-layer, 7-sensor, 7-actuator membrane mirror was constructed for use, with one layer acting as the sensing layer and the other acting as the actuation layer. The measured FRF for this mirror was compared to previous results. Finally a single-layer 61-sensor PVDF mirror was constructed to experimentally …

Go to article

Creep-Rupture And Fatigue Behaviors Of Notched Oxide/Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composite At Elevated Temperature, Mark A. Sullivan Mar 2006

Creep-Rupture And Fatigue Behaviors Of Notched Oxide/Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composite At Elevated Temperature, Mark A. Sullivan

Theses and Dissertations

Oxide/oxide composites are being considered for use in high temperature aerospace applications where their inherent resistance to oxidation provides for better long life properties at high temperature than most other ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). One promising oxide/oxide CMC is Nextel 720/A (N720/A) which uses an 8-harness satin weave (8HSW) of Nextel 720 fibers embedded in a porous alumina matrix. Possible aerospace applications for N720/A will likely require inserting holes into the material for mounting and cooling purposes. The notch characteristics must be understood to ensure designs using the material are sufficient for the desired application. This research effort examined the …

Go to article

Mechanical Behavior Of Cracked Panels Repaired With Bonded Composite Patch, Michael A. Hansen Jun 2005

Mechanical Behavior Of Cracked Panels Repaired With Bonded Composite Patch, Michael A. Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

This research focuses on investigating the mechanical behavior of cracked aluminum panels repaired with bonded boron/epoxy composite patches. The effects of crack initiation and growth on the residual strength of the repaired panels are characterized. This research establishes a correlation between damage modes, residual strength and evolution of strain within as well as outside the patch. Monotonic tensile tests on specimens with a perfectly bonded patch were used to determine the base line strength. Likewise, fatigue tests on specimens with a perfectly bonded patch served to establish baseline fatigue life. In addition, several specimens with a perfectly bonded patch were …

Go to article

Internal Damage Detection And Assessment In Beams Using Experimental Natural Frequencies, Frances K. Durham Jun 2005

Internal Damage Detection And Assessment In Beams Using Experimental Natural Frequencies, Frances K. Durham

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the frequency response of a cantilever beam with the intent of establishing a reliable nondestructive method of damage detection. The test specimens were 12 aluminum 2024 T3 beams, each identical except for a unique, eccentrically located notch, and one reference notchless beam. The machined notches varied in length and location to simulate varying degrees of damage. Laser doppler vibrometry enabled the data acquisition. The changes in natural frequencies were correlated to notch length and notch location. A comparison of eccentric and centered notch influence on the natural frequencies also is discussed.

Go to article

Steady State Stress In A Coated Infinite Half-Space Subjected To A Moving Load, Jason M. Cruthirds Mar 2005

Steady State Stress In A Coated Infinite Half-Space Subjected To A Moving Load, Jason M. Cruthirds

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates the use of coatings to mitigate the stress distribution into an infinite half-space. High energy impact phenomenon at velocities exceeding the speed of sound is an important area of interest to the Air Force Research Laboratory. Holloman Air Force Base's High Speed Test Track sustains significant damage due to this phenomenon. In this thesis, the track system and coating are modeled analytically with equations of motion in terms of linear displacements. Coating thickness and material properties of epoxy or polymer laminates are investigated to understand their affect of stress distribution in the rail. An analytic solution is …

Go to article

Analysis Of Computational Methods For The Treatment Of Material Interfaces, Minh C. Nguyen Mar 2005

Analysis Of Computational Methods For The Treatment Of Material Interfaces, Minh C. Nguyen

Theses and Dissertations

Rocket sled tests at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Holloman High Speed Test Track frequently approach velocities where gouging development becomes the limiting factor to achieving higher operating velocities. Direct observation of the gouging process is not possible so computational modeling is necessary to study the phenomenon. Since gouging development is dependent on the impact surface conditions, the method used to model material interfaces directly affects the accuracy of the solution. Three methods are available in the hydrocode CTH to handle material interfaces: 1) materials are joined at the interface, 2) a frictionless slide line is inserted, and 3) a …

Go to article

Fatigue Behavior Of A Functionally-Graded Titanium Matrix Composite, Scott R. Cunningham Mar 2005

Fatigue Behavior Of A Functionally-Graded Titanium Matrix Composite, Scott R. Cunningham

Theses and Dissertations

Functionally-graded Titanium Matrix Composites are an attempt to utilize the high-strength properties of a titanium matrix composite with a monolithic alloy having the more practical machining qualities. This work studied the mechanical characteristics of the joint region as a first step toward future evaluation of this material. The scope of this effort involved testing under monotonic tension and fatigue loading conditions. Mechanical properties and cyclic behavior were evaluated for the joint area and then compared to those of the parent materials. The results of this study found that the strength of the transition region was slightly higher than the unreinforced …

Go to article

Creep-Rupture Behavior Of An Oxide/Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composite At Elevated Temperatures In Air And Steam Environments, Lee B. Harlen Mar 2005

Creep-Rupture Behavior Of An Oxide/Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composite At Elevated Temperatures In Air And Steam Environments, Lee B. Harlen

Theses and Dissertations

Oxide/oxide ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are being considered for applications such as jet engine combustion chambers and afterburner flaps. Nextel™ 720/A (N720/A), an oxide/oxide CMC with an alumina matrix and no interphase at the fiber-matrix interface, was developed specifically to provide improved long-term properties and performance at 1200°C. This study focused on experimental investigation of creep behavior of N720/A [0/90] at elevated temperatures in laboratory air and in 100% steam environment. Monotonic tensile tests to failure were performed at 23, 1200, and 1330°C. Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) values were established and monotonic stress-strain curves were produced. Creep-rupture tests at 1200°C …

Go to article

Tensile Stress Rupture Behavior Of A Woven Ceramic Matrix Composite In Humid Environments At Intermediate Temperature, Kevin J. Larochelle Mar 2005

Tensile Stress Rupture Behavior Of A Woven Ceramic Matrix Composite In Humid Environments At Intermediate Temperature, Kevin J. Larochelle

Theses and Dissertations

Stress rupture tests on the SylramicTM fiber with an in-situ layer of boron nitride, boron nitride interphase, and SiC matrix ceramic matrix composite were performed at 550°C and 750°C with 0.0, 0.2, or 0.6 atm partial pressure of water vapor, pH2O. The 550°C, 100-hr strengths were 75%, 65% and 51% of the monotonic room temperature tensile strength, respectively. At 750°C, the strengths were 67%, 51%, and 49%, respectively. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis estimated the total embrittlement times for 550°C with 0.0, 0.2, and 0.6 atm pH2O were >63 hrs, >38 hrs, and between …

Go to article

An Investigation Of A Simplified Gouging Model, Gregory S. Rickerd Mar 2005

An Investigation Of A Simplified Gouging Model, Gregory S. Rickerd

Theses and Dissertations

Gouging is a type of structural failure that becomes important when two metals slide against each other at velocities in the range of 1.5 kilometers per second. A computer model has previously been used to model the development of gouging at the Holloman High Speed Test Track. This model has not been experimentally verified to be correct, due to the complexity of the model. This research develops a simplified model that can be experimentally verified. The computer program utilized in this research was studied to determine the most appropriate options to use in simulations. This was accomplished by modeling a …

Go to article

Engineering Tools For Variable Stiffness Vibration Suppression And Isolation, Michael F. Winthrop Jan 2005

Engineering Tools For Variable Stiffness Vibration Suppression And Isolation, Michael F. Winthrop

Theses and Dissertations

With the advent of smart materials, the concept of semi-active control or dynamic control of stiffness and/or damping for vibration control of structures has become practical and has seen limited use. Semi-active control has advantages over active and passive control methods, since it provides almost as much capability as active control while requiring much less power. Its main disadvantage is its inherent nonlinearity, greatly complicating engineering design. The purpose of this research is to extend semi-active control vibration isolation tools and methods considering space launch and on-orbit systems.

Go to article

The Physical Understanding Of The Use Of Coatings To Mitigate Hypervelocity Gouging Considering Real Test Sled Dimensions, Andrew G. Szmerekovsky Sep 2004

The Physical Understanding Of The Use Of Coatings To Mitigate Hypervelocity Gouging Considering Real Test Sled Dimensions, Andrew G. Szmerekovsky

Theses and Dissertations

A dimensional analysis with accompanying numerical investigation is conducted. A simplified model of the real test sled is created that allows test sled dimensions to be converted to a numerical model for analysis. The dimensional analysis is used as a means of directly applying the numerical results to real test sled conditions. Similarity principles are studied and tested by comparing the results from scaled numerical models. Strain rate and other time dependent parameters are not scaled, but the effect of these parameters may be quantified and studied further. The dimensional analysis also provides a comprehensive approach to the test sled …

Go to article

Role Of Plasticity On Fretting Fatigue Behavior Of Ti-6al-4v, Kisu Shin Sep 2004

Role Of Plasticity On Fretting Fatigue Behavior Of Ti-6al-4v, Kisu Shin

Theses and Dissertations

Fretting fatigue generally leads to the degradation of the fatigue strength of a material due to cyclic micro-slip between two contacting materials. Fretting fatigue is regarded as an important issue in designing aerospace structures. While many studies have evaluated fretting fatigue behavior under elastic deformation conditions, few studies have focused on fretting fatigue behavior under elastic-plastic deformation conditions. The primary goal of this study was to characterize the fretting fatigue crack initiation behavior in the presence of plasticity. Experimental tests were performed using pad configurations involving elastic-plastic deformations. In order to calculate stress distributions under elastic-plastic fretting fatigue conditions, FEA …

Go to article

Fretting Fatigue Behavior Of Shot-Peened Titanium Alloy Tl-6al-4v Under Seawater Conditions, William Y. Allen Jun 2004

Fretting Fatigue Behavior Of Shot-Peened Titanium Alloy Tl-6al-4v Under Seawater Conditions, William Y. Allen

Theses and Dissertations

The fretting fatigue behavior of the shot-peened titanium alloy, Ti-6Al-4V, was investigated under a corrosive environment of synthetic seawater. Fretting fatigue tests were performed over a wide stress range to determine the effect of seawater at high and low cycle fatigue regimes. The results from this study showed: (1) seawater significantly reduces the fretting fatigue life of shot-peened Ti-6Al-4V at both high and low cycle fatigue relative to its counterpart in ambient laboratory conditions, (2) shot peening increases the fretting fatigue life of Ti-6Al-4V when tested under dry and seawater conditions relative to its counterpart of unpeened Ti-6Al-4V, (3) surface …

Go to article

Analytical Results For A Single-Unit System Subject To Markovian Wear And Shocks, Daniel E. Finkelstein Mar 2004

Analytical Results For A Single-Unit System Subject To Markovian Wear And Shocks, Daniel E. Finkelstein

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis develops and analyzers a mathematical model for the reliability measures of a single-unit system subject to continuous wear due to its operating environment and randomly occurring shocks that inflict a random amount of damage to the unit. Assuming a Markovian operating environment and shock arrival mechanism, Laplace-Stieltjes transform expressions are obtained for the failure time distribution and all of its moments. Moreover, an analytical expression is derived for the long-run availability of the single-unit system when it is subject to an inspect-and-replace maintenance policy. The analytical results are illustrated, and their results compared with those of Monte Carlo-simulated …

Go to article

Monotonic, Creep-Rupture, And Fatigue Behavior Of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/Sic) At An Elevated Temperature, John M. Engesser Mar 2004

Monotonic, Creep-Rupture, And Fatigue Behavior Of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/Sic) At An Elevated Temperature, John M. Engesser

Theses and Dissertations

The main objective of this research effort was to examine the impact that cyclic loading frequency has on the life of a C/SiC composite at an elevated temperature of 550°C. Cyclic loading of C/SiC was investigated at frequencies of 375 Hz, 10 Hz, 1 Hz, and 0.1 Hz. Creep-Rupture tests and tests that were combinations of creep-rupture and fatigue were also accomplished. A monotonic tensile test was performed at 550°C and compared to a room temperature monotonic test. This study showed that an elevated temperature of 550°C has very little effect on the Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) of C/SiC. The …

Go to article

Fretting Fatigue Behavior Of The Titanium Alloy Ti-6al-4v Under Seawater Conditions, Lewis C. Lietch Mar 2004

Fretting Fatigue Behavior Of The Titanium Alloy Ti-6al-4v Under Seawater Conditions, Lewis C. Lietch

Theses and Dissertations

The fretting fatigue behavior of Ti-6A1-4V was investigated in laboratory air and under a controlled environment consisting of synthetic seawater. Fretting fatigue tests were performed for both low and high cycle fatigue regimes. Finite element analysis was utilized to model and analyze the experimental data. The applied stress range and the Modified Shear Stress Range were evaluated as potential fatigue parameters. The results found from this study can be summarized as: (1) seawater had a deleterious effect on fretting fatigue life in the low cycle fatigue regime but improved life in the high cycle fatigue regime, (2) although the Q/P …

Go to article

Structural Design And Analysis Of A Rigidizable Space Shuttle Experiment, Raymond G. Holstein Iii Mar 2004

Structural Design And Analysis Of A Rigidizable Space Shuttle Experiment, Raymond G. Holstein Iii

Theses and Dissertations

AFIT is in the process of designing a Space Shuttle experiment designated as the Rigidized Inflatable Get-Away-Special Experiment (RIGEX) to study the effects of microgravity on the deployment of rigidizable composite structures. Once in space, the experiment will inflate and rigidize three composite structures and perform a vibration analysis on each by exciting the tubes using piezoelectric patches and collecting data via an accelerometer. This paper presents the structural and vibration analysis of the RIGEX assembly and inflatable composite tubes using ABAQUS Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software. Comparison of the analysis has been carried out with Eigenvalue/Eigenvector experimentation by means …

Go to article

Optimization Process For Configuration Of Flexible Joined-Wing, Cody C. Rasmussen Mar 2004

Optimization Process For Configuration Of Flexible Joined-Wing, Cody C. Rasmussen

Theses and Dissertations

This study established a weight optimized configuration design of a joined-wing sensor-craft. The joined-wing aircraft concept fulfills a proposed long-endurance surveillance mission that contains an antenna structure embedded in the wing skin. The analysis was completed utilizing structural optimization, aerodynamic analyses, and response surface methodology. A sample of 62 joined-wing configurations were weight optimized. Each optimized structure was determined through a change of skin, spar, and rib thickness in the wing box by determining trimmed maneuver and gust conditions for critical flight mission points. Since the joined-wing concept has non-linear deformation characteristics, the structural optimization used both strain and buckling …

Go to article

Vibrometric Detection Of Beam Damage Due To Inclusions, Aaron J. Reifsnyder Mar 2004

Vibrometric Detection Of Beam Damage Due To Inclusions, Aaron J. Reifsnyder

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force Institute of Technology, in conjunction with the Structural Health Monitoring branch of the Air Force Research Laboratory, is researching methods of determining effects of notch location and size on beam structures using modal frequency analysis. This thesis explores the ability to detect included notches of varying magnitudes and locations within the frequency domain of an isotropic cantilever beam. A series of experiments employing centerline-notched 2024 T3 and 2024 0 aluminum beams was used to determine whether natural frequency measurement in beam structures is a valid mechanism for damage detection. Each specimen was excited by a strain actuator …

Go to article

An Electromagnetic Tool For Damping And Fatigue Analysis, Todd M. Hoover Mar 2004

An Electromagnetic Tool For Damping And Fatigue Analysis, Todd M. Hoover

Theses and Dissertations

An automated test system was developed by the USAF Turbine Engine Fatigue Facility (TEFF). This system was initially designed to reduce the time and manpower required to characterize damping treatments. It is based on a digitally controlled environmental chamber with automated data acquisition and processing. Several outputs are available including identification of natural frequencies, modal damping ratios from the acquired frequency responses, and changes in damping with response amplitude; however, the TEFF additionally desires the capability to study fatigue under a free boundary condition. The system consists of a test specimen suspended by a pendulum to closely simulate free boundary …

Go to article

Effect Of A Variable Contact Load On Fretting Fatigue Behavior Of Ti-6al-4v, Andrew J. Jutte Mar 2004

Effect Of A Variable Contact Load On Fretting Fatigue Behavior Of Ti-6al-4v, Andrew J. Jutte

Theses and Dissertations

Effects of a variable contact load on the high cycle fretting fatigue behavior of Ti-6AL-4V were investigated. Experimental tests were performed using a new test setup capable of applying a contact load varying in amplitude, frequency, and phase and independently measuring shear forces on opposite sides of a specimen. Finite element analysis (FEA) of experimental and idealized loading conditions was performed and local mechanistic parameters and the Modified Shear Stress Range (MSSR) fatigue parameter were determined. Correlations between contact width, slip amplitude, fatigue life and a variable contact load were established with variable contact loading shown to have a damaging …

Go to article

The Evaluation Of The Damping Characteristics Of A Hard Coating On Titanium, Christopher M. Blackwell Mar 2004

The Evaluation Of The Damping Characteristics Of A Hard Coating On Titanium, Christopher M. Blackwell

Theses and Dissertations

Engine failures due to fatigue have cost the Air Force an estimated $400 million dollars per year over the past two decades (Garrison, 2001). Damping treatments capable of reducing the internal stresses of fan and turbine blades to levels where fatigue is less likely to occur have the potential for reducing cost while enhancing reliability. This research evaluates the damping characteristics of magnesium aluminate spinel, MgO+Al2O3, (mag spinel) on titanium plates. The material and aspect ratio were chosen to approximate the low aspect ratio blades found in military gas turbine fans. The plates were tested with …

Go to article

Experimental And Computational Failure Analysis Of Graphite/Bismaleimide Laminated Composite And Carbon Foam In Sandwich Construction, Troy C. Welker Mar 2003

Experimental And Computational Failure Analysis Of Graphite/Bismaleimide Laminated Composite And Carbon Foam In Sandwich Construction, Troy C. Welker

Theses and Dissertations

Sandwich beams consisting of a carbon foam core and graphite/bismaleimide face sheets were constructed and tested. Nine specimens were fabricated using three distinct cross-ply symmetric face sheet layups with a constant core thickness. Four-point bend testing controlled by a constant rate of midspan vertical displacement was used to load the specimens to failure. Displacements and strains from the experiment were compared to analytical sandwich beam theory and displacements and failure loads were compared to a layerwise finite element solution. A phenomenological failure criterion was developed that compares favorably with experimental failure data. The finite element solution gives failure within an …

Go to article

Stress Analysis Of Silicon Carbide Microeletromechanical Systems Using Raman Spectroscopy, Stanley J. Ness Mar 2003

Stress Analysis Of Silicon Carbide Microeletromechanical Systems Using Raman Spectroscopy, Stanley J. Ness

Theses and Dissertations

During the fabrication of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), residual stress is often induced in the thin films that are deposited to create these systems. These stresses can cause the device to fail due to buckling, curling, or fracture. Government and industry are looking for ways to characterize the stress during the deposition of thin films in order to reduce or eliminate device failure. Micro-Raman spectroscopy has been successfully used to analyze poly-silicon MEMS devices made with the Multi-User MEMS Process (MUMPS trade name). Micro-Raman spectroscopy was selected because it is nondestructive, fast and has the potential for in situ stress monitoring. …

Go to article

First Prev Next Last