The dependence of crack velocity on the critical stress in fracture

The constant velocity of crack propagation in PMMA is investigated in terms of the fracture stress for both continuously increasing loading (strain rate ?=0.59×10^?4 s^?1) and dynamic loading (strain rate ?=0.35 s^?1). It was found that the constant crack velocity increases with increasing fracture stress and that it depends on the loading conditions (continuously increasing or dynamic loading). In particular, it was found that the increase of the constant velocity for the static loading case is higher than for the dynamic one. However, in both cases, the constant velocity reaches a limiting value for stresses higher than a certain level.     

Investigation of the Dynamic Response of Swirling Flows Based on LES and Experiments

The dynamic response of a swirling flow undergoing vortex breakdown is investigated via Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and experiments in a water flow facility. The investigation is carried out following previous work on the link between thermoacoustic combustion instabilities and coherent structures in lean premixed gas turbine combustors. The velocity field transfer function is obtained in LES from the Unit Impulse Response determined via application of a low intensity broadband noise perturbation of the inflow mass flow rate and the Wiener-Hopf filtering method. In the experiments, harmonic fluctuations in the water flow rate through the swirler are generated via a piston mounted on the side wall of the test facility and activated with a low frequency linear motor. The velocity field transfer function is then obtained via phase averaging applied to Particle Image Velocimetry snapshots which are collected at prescribed values of the harmonic phase. The analysis, which is carried out in terms of coherent structures identified via Proper Orthogonal Decomposition, gives numerical transfer functions with amplitude and phase consistent with the experimental ones.     

A photoviscoelastic analysis of time-dependent stresses in a polyphase system

The method of photoviscoelastic stress analysis is used to predict time-dependent stress redistributions in a polyphase-material system having a viscoelastic binder and subjected to applied exteernal-loading conditions. The polyphase-material model studied is composed of a photoviscoelastic matrix material and contains rigid inclusions and voids, thus simulating a threephase composite system. In order to perform the study, a photoviscoelastic model material is developed. An epoxy-resin system consisting primarily of Shell Epon 828 and Epon 871, optimized to display the properties desirable for such application, is utilized. The time-dependent stess distributions obtained by the photoviscoelastic analysis are compared with results obtained by applying the “correspondence rule” to a finite-element solution for the elastic stress field of a mathematical model of the three-phase material system. The comparison of results indicates that the technique of photoviscoelastic stress analysis is extremely applicable to complex models such as the one studied. The feasibility of this application to more complex polyphase models with varying loading conditions is indicated.     

An experimental study of the effects of prestrain on the propagation of small disturbances in neoprene filaments

A small disturbance was caused to propagate along a long, slender, prestrained Neoprene filament. The particle velocity of the pulse was measured at two stations along the length of the filament by means of electromagnetic transducers which operate on the Faraday principle. Particle velocity vs. time data were obtained from oscilloscope photographs of the transducer outputs for each level of prestrain from 0 percent up to 400 percent engineering strain. The two particle-velocity records for each level of prestrain were subjected to linear viscoelastic analysis which employed the use of numerical Fourier transforms of the particle-velocity records. Computer programs were written which allowed computation of the numerical transforms and from them the computation of the phase velocity and attenuation coefficients of the material over the narrow frequency bandwidth of the Fourier spectra of the particlevelocity pulses. Data analysis revealed that, at a given frequency, the phase velocity increases significantly and that the attenuation coefficient decreases significantly with an increase in prestrain level over the range of prestrains of the tests. These material properties, that of a decreasing attenuation and an increasing phase velocity with increasing prestrain, are suggestive of the open possibility of the ability of the material to develop and support a shock wave for a large-amplitude disturbance.     

Photoelastometric recording of stress waves

A very sensitive, fast-responding photomultiplier tube and laser light source were used to record stress-optic data associated with a moving stress wave. By using a “gray-field” (which is halfway between a dark and light field) polariscope, optical-electrical recordings were obtained which were linearly proportional to strain. A discriminatory record results which exhibits a higher signal-to-noise ratio than semiconductor strain gages. Gage length can be varied from 0.005 in. upwards.     

An electromagnetic shear-stress gage for large-amplitude shear waves

In many materials, especially plastics, ceramics and rocks, large-amplitude shear-wave propagation studies could provide valuable information for the development of constitutive equations. A newly developed electromagnetic-gage configuration provides an output voltage which is directly related to the dynamic shear stress in the material. The electromagnetic shear-stress gage has been used to make direct measurements of shear-wave stresses in PMMA and Solenhofen limestone. Large-amplitude shear waves were obtained with a new plate-impact technique which generates shear waves by a controlled-reflection process. The configuration of the stress gage permits it to be used simultaneously with more conventional electromagnetic velocity gages, thus providing both types of data in one experiment.     

The grid-shift technique for moiré analysis of strain in solid propellants

Moiré principles and procedures were surveyed with a view toward adaptation to measurement of complex strain distribution in solid propellants. Compliant coating and photosensitive materials were selected for grid reproduction. The most flexible of the several possible procedures for recording moiré data was found to be grid photography. A novel “grid-shift” technique employing coarse grids was developed for point-by-point determination of surface displacement derivatives, and the grid-shift relations for large strain and large rotation were derived. The technique is extremely versatile, permitting the analysis of strain of dynamically deformed specimens in nonambient environmental conditions of temperature, pressure or atmosphere. The utility of the technique was demonstrated by application to static and dynamic problems.     

Measurement of surface strain rates in glaciers using embedded wire strain gages

Natural scientists and engineers are continuing to seek an understanding of the mechanism of flow and deformation of glaciers. A necessary component of this exploration is the accurate determination of strain rates in glacier ice. The purpose of this investigation was to develop a strain-measuring method which is dependable and precise under difficult field conditions. The measuring technique which was developed uses unbonded electrical-resistance strain gages which consist of single strands of 5-mil Constantan wire 10-ft long. Six gages are embedded in the glacier-ice surface in the form of two delta rosettes in order to obtain strain at a point with some redundancy of data in this two-dimensional problem. The rigid-body rotation of the gage anchor posts was measured by sensitive inclinometers in order to assess the effect of pressure melting on the strain data. The data are interpreted using cross-correlation and best-fit programs to yield maximum shear-strain rate and average normal-strain rate. Strain readings were conducted over a period of eight days on the Ptarmigan Glacier near Juneau, Alaska. The maximum shear-strain rate at the surface ranged from 0.25 to 1.2×10^?6/hr., which agrees with estimates derived from known flow rates. The wire gages were found to adhere to the ice well enough to make the gage anchor posts unnecessary—pressure melting is therefore insignificant. A tolerance of ±6.0 microstrain was determined for the strain gages.     

Strain gages in cryogenic environment

The increasing use of cryogenics in all fields of endeavor necessitates the use of strain gages for stress analysis of structures under extreme temperatures. This has been a continuing program at the McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co.'s Strain Gage Engineering Laboratory (Huntington Beach facility). Many characteristics of strain gages were investigated, and a majority of the commercial strain gage types were evaluated. Tests results are presented, as well as composite curves, showing the comparison between various types of strain gages.     

Propagation of a stress pulse in a viscoelastic rod

Experimental work is reported on the propagation of a stress pulse in a viscoelastic waveguide. The data obtained are compared with results of analysis using one-dimensional wave-propagation theory. The waveguide used in this work is a low-density polyethylene rod 1/2 in. in diameter and 30-in. long. Stress input to the waveguide and the resulting particle velocity at three stations are measured using a crystal stress transducer, two Faraday-principle velocity transducers and a capacitor transducer. The experiment is described mathematically as a boundary-value problem formulated in terms of the one-dimensional equation of motion, the strain-displacement relationship, a hereditary constitutive equation and the stress-boundary condition. Fourier transform and inversion yield an integral expression for velocity which is evaluated numerically at three stations using measured values for the stress-boundary condition, material attenuation and phase velocity. The analytical results compare favorably with the experimental data. The one-dimensional theory appears adequate to describe pulse propagation of this type. The attenuation and phase velocity used here are found to be a linear function and a logarithmic increasing function of frequency respectively.     

The problem of a gas bubble in plane ideal fluid flow

We study the problem of two-dimensional fluid flow past a gas bubble adjacent to an infinite rectilinear solid wall.Two-dimensional ideal fluid flow past a gas bubble on whose boundary surface-tension forces act (or a gas bubble bounded by an elastic film) has been studied by several authors. Zhukovskii, who first studied jet flows with consideration of the capillary forces, constructed an exact solution of the problem of symmetric flow past a gas bubble in a rectilinear channel [1]. However, Zhukovskii's solution is not the general solution of the problem; in particular, we cannot obtain the flow past an isolated bubble from his solution. Slezkin [2] reduced the problem of symmetric flow of an infinite fluid stream past a bubble to the study of a nonlinear integral equation. The numerical solution of this problem has recently been found by Petrova [3]. McLeod [4] obtained an exact solution under the assumption that the gas pressure p₁ in the bubble equals the flow stagnation pressure p₀. Beyer [5] proved the existence of a solution to the problem of flow of a stream having a given velocity circulation provided p₁p₀.We examine the problem of two-dimensional ideal fluid flow past a gas bubble adjacent to an infinite rectilinear solid wall. The solution depends on the value of the contact angle . The existence of a solution is proved in some range of variation of the parameters, and a technique for finding this solution is given. The situation in which =1/2 is studied in detail.     

Oscillations of a gas bubble in a non-Newtonian liquid under the action of an acoustic field

The evolution of the radius of a spherical cavitation bubble in an incompressible non-Newtonian liquid under the action of an external acoustic field is investigated. Non-Newtonian liquids having relaxation properties and also pseudoplastic and dilatant liquids with powerlaw equation of state are studied. The equations for the oscillation of the gas bubble are derived, the stability of its radial oscillation and its spherical form are investigated, and formulas are given for the characteristic frequency of oscillations of the cavitation hollow in a relaxing liquid. The equations are integrated numerically. It is shown that in a relaxing non-Newtonian liquid the viscosity may lead to the instability of the radial oscillations and the spherical form of the bubble. The results obtained here are compared with the behavior of a gas bubble in a Newtonian liquid.     

Photoelastic investigation of a shrink-fit problem

Stress analysis of the components of a shrinkfit assembly has been carried out by the three-dimensional photoelastic technique. Experimental results obtained from the analysis of a typical shrink-fit assembly, wherein a cylindrical wheel is shrink fitted onto a hollow cylindrical hub in an asymmetrical position. Photoelastic models made from hot-setting Araldite B were loaded at the critical temperature in a stress-freezing oven and the meridional and the hoop slices were observed in a transmission polariscope. It is concluded from this investigation that the bending induced in the components due to the asymmetrical placement of the wheel and the contact shear at the interface influences the stress distribution quite considerably. Also, the dimensions of the components in the axial direction have an influence on the mode and contribute to the magnitude of the variation of stress components.     

Photoelastic stress analysis of a V-shaped die for plastic work

The stress state in the V-shaped die for plastic compression was investigated by using a photoelastic stress analysis in which an Araldite in a glassy elastic state and a softened celluloid were used as model materials for the die and work specimen, respectively. It was found that the direction of the frictional shear stress is reversed at a certain point on the die surface. Because the frictional shear stress of the die mainly depends on the flow speed of the work material, the popular assumption that the coefficient of friction is a constant over the die surface such as in the case of Coulomb friction appears unrealistic.     

Determination of stress intensity factors in three-dimensional problems of fracture mechanics

Dependences of displacements of the surface of a notch on the corresponding stress intensity factors were obtained for axisymmetric bodies with internal and external notches under different deformations (tensile, shear, bending, and torsion). An algorithm is proposed to determine the stress intensity factors of three types (opening mode, longitudinal shear, and transverse shear) from displacements of the notch surface near its tip. The effectiveness of the algorithm is shown, as an example, for numerical analysis of various three-dimensional problems of fracture mechanics.     

Measurement of microscopic plastic-strain distributions in the region of a crack tip

Two independent experimental techniques are used to measure the strain distribution within the plastically deformed region around a crack tip. Moiré grid interference is used to measure the in-plane strain with the specimen grid engraved directly on the specimen surface. Optical interference is used to measure the through-the-thickness strain over the same engraved area. The testing arrangement allows measurement of at-load strain as well as residual strain. The measured strain distribution is compared with recent work by Swedlow using a finite-element numerical technique and with results of the etch-pit technique used by Hahn and Rosenfield.     

Effects of Bubbles on the Hydraulic Conductivity of Porous Materials – Theoretical Results

In a porous material, both the pressure drop across a bubble and its speed are nonlinear functions of the fluid velocity. Nonlinear dynamics of bubbles in turn affect the macroscopic hydraulic conductivity, and thus the fluid velocity. We treat a porous medium as a network of tubes and combine critical path analysis with pore-scale results to predict the effects of bubble dynamics on the macroscopic hydraulic conductivity and bubble density. Critical path analysis uses percolation theory to find the dominant (approximately) one-dimensional flow paths. We find that in steady state, along percolating pathways, bubble density decreases with increasing fluid velocity, and bubble density is thus smallest in the smallest (critical) tubes. We find that the hydraulic conductivity increases monotonically with increasing capillary number up to Ca 10^–2, but may decrease for larger capillary numbers due to the relative decrease of bubble density in the critical pores. We also identify processes that can provide a positive feedback between bubble density and fluid flow along the critical paths. The feedback amplifies statistical fluctuations in the density of bubbles, producing fluctuations in the hydraulic conductivity.     

The effect of a coupling agent on the viscoelastic properties and internal stresses in high density polyethylene filled with glass spheres

It is shown that covalent bonding between high density polyethylene (HDPE) and glass spheres can have a significant influence on the stress relaxation behaviour and the creep properties of the corresponding composites at room temperature. The bonding is obtained by reacting the glass spheres with an azide functional alkoxysilane which is capable of bonding to the HDPE-chain. The internal stress, evaluated from relaxation experiments, increased markedly as a result of this treatment, and it is suggested that the internal stress level reflects the properties of the interphase region between the filler and the bulk matrix and its effect on the viscoelastic properties.     

Performance of metal-foil strain gages during large cyclic strains

Constantan-alloy gages with polyimide backing were bonded to axial-fatigue specimens which were tested under cyclic loading. Constant-strain ranges between 0.0075 and 0.04 were applied to each specimen by means of a clip on extensometer, and the strain-gage signals were monitored for gage accuracy and life. Gage life varied upwards from about four cycles at the highest strains investigated. Although significant zero shift occurred, strain ranges were generally measured within five percent over most of the life of the gage. The gage-performance information obtained will aid in later study of local strain and low-cycle fatigue in notched members.