There are plenty of use-case examples of composite materials in aircraft and cars, and now the space program is getting in the action. NASA’s Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) at Langley Research Center has just completed a series of full-scale physical tests using the HyperSizer structural sizing and composite analysis software to accurately predict the performance of the Composite Crew Module (CCM) under simulated flight conditions.
HyperSizer, from Collier Research Corp., was used throughout the almost three-year development project to optimize the design, weight and manufacturability of the CCM. The CCM is an all-composite alternative for the flight crew module Orion, which is part of NASA’s Constellation program to return man to the moon and/or Mars. The CCM, constructed of honeycomb sandwich and solid laminate composites, will help NASA examine the materials tradeoffs between metals and composites in space structures. NASA officials say the success of the recent HyperSizer tests are a positive sign that lightweight composites can find a home in space vehicle development.
As an optimization tool, HyperSizer works in a feedback loop with finite element analysis (FEA) software to automatically point to solutions that will minimize weight and maximize manufacturability. In the case of the CCM, HyperSizer provided a view into what the physics were doing, while also serving as a primary communications tool for displaying analytical results during the various technical reviews on the project.
During the test phase, the NASA engineering team blanketed the CCM vehicle with 280 linear strain gages-fiber optic cables generating about 3,000 channels of data-along with 80 acoustic sensors that listened for fiber breaks in the composite lay-ups. The tests also monitored internal pressure, and the CCM had to withstand twice standard atmospheric pressure in order to comply with NASA safety regulations.
According to NASA officials, the structure successfully withstood load tests to simulate launch abort and parachute deployment. And while there will be additional testing into early 2010, the success of the internal pressure test means the development program for the CCM will remain on track.
We looked at a number of sources to determine this year's greenest cars, from KBB to automotive trade magazines to environmental organizations. These 14 cars emerged as being great at either stretching fuel or reducing carbon footprint.
Researchers at MIT and Sandia National Labs have observed a reaction in lithium-air batteries that could help improve the design of these cells for electric vehicles and other applications.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
8 
