Daniele Barbera

Dynamic and structural performances of a new sailcraft concept for interplanetary missions

Typical square solar-sail design is characterised by a central hub with four-quadrant sails, conferring to the spacecraft the classical X-configuration. One of the critical aspects related to this architecture is due to the large deformations of both membrane and booms, which leads to a reduction of the performance of the sailcraft in terms of thrust efficiency. As a consequence, stiffer sail architecture would be desirable, taking into account that the rigidity of the system strongly affects the orbital dynamics. In this paper, we propose a new solar-sail architecture, which is more rigid than the classical X-configuration. Among the main pros and cons that the proposed configuration presents, this paper aims to show the general concept, investigating the performances from the perspectives of both structural response and attitude control. Membrane deformations, structural offset, and sail vibration frequencies are determined through finite element method, adopting a variable pretensioning scheme. In order to evaluate the manoeuvring performances of this new solar-sail concept, a 35-degree manoeuvre is studied using a feedforward and feedback controller.

Recent developments of the linear matching method framework for structural integrity assessment

The LMM subroutines and plug-in tools for structural integrity assessment are now in extensive use in industries for the design and routine assessment of power plant components. This paper presents a detailed review and case study of the current state-of-the art LMM direct methods applied to the structural integrity assessment. The focus is on the development and use of the LMMF on a wide range of crucial aspects for the power industry. The LMMF is reviewed to show a wide range of capabilities of the direct methods under this framework, and the basic theory background is also presented. Different structural integrity aspects are covered including the calculation of shakedown, ratchet and creep rupture limits. Furthermore, the crack initiation assessments of an un-cracked body by the LMM are shown for cases both with and without the presence of a creep dwell during the cyclic loading history. Finally an overview of the in house developed LMM plug-in is given, presenting the intuitive Graphical User Interface developed. The efficiency and robustness of these direct methods in calculating the aforementioned quantities are confirmed through a numerical case study, which is a semi-circular notched (Bridgman notch) bar. A 2D axisymmetric finite element model is adopted, and the notched bar is subjected to both cyclic and constant axial mechanical loads. For the crack initiation assessment, different cyclic loading conditions are evaluated to demonstrate the impact of the different load types on the structural response. The impact of creep dwell is also investigated to show how this parameter is capable of causing in some cases a dangerous phenomenon known as creep ratcheting. All the results in the case study demonstrate the level of simplicity of the LMMs but at the same time accuracy, efficiency and robustness over the more complicated and inefficient incremental finite element analyses.

Direct Method on Creep Fatigue Damage Assessment Considering Full Creep-Cyclic Plasticity Interaction

This paper introduces the latest research and development of the Linear Matching Method (LMM) on the creep fatigue damage assessment of components subjected to high temperature and cyclic load conditions. The method varies from existing rule-based approaches in both the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (NH) and the UK R5 high temperature assessment procedure, where the creep behavior/creep damage and cyclic plastic response /fatigue damage are analyzed separately. In support to these the extended Direct Steady Cycle Analysis (eDSCA) has been proposed to provide a more accurate description of the potentially dangerous interaction between creep and cyclic plasticity during the load cycle, and hence is able to accurately address creep enhanced plasticity and cyclically enhanced creep.The applications of the LMM eDSCA method for creep fatigue damage assessment to three practical problems are then outlined to demonstrate that the proposed direct method is capable of predicting an accurate component life due to creep fatigue and creep ratcheting damages by modeling cyclic plasticity and creep interaction using this new simplified direct method, providing a degree of accuracy and convenience in creep fatigue assessment hitherto unavailable and without the restrictions inherent in other methodologies.

On Creep Fatigue Interaction of Components at Elevated Temperature

The accurate assessment of creep-fatigue interaction is an important issue for industrial components operating with large cyclic thermal and mechanical loads. An extensive review of different aspects of creep fatigue interaction is proposed in this paper. The introduction of a high temperature creep dwell within the loading cycle has relevant impact on the structural behaviour. Different mechanisms can occur, including the cyclically enhanced creep, the creep enhanced plasticity and creep ratchetting due to the creep fatigue interaction. A series of crucial parameters for crack initiation assessment can be identified, such as the start of dwell stress, the creep strain and the total strain range. A comparison between the ASME NH and R5 is proposed, and the principal differences in calculating the aforementioned parameters are outlined. The Linear Matching Method framework is also presented and reviewed, as a direct method capable of calculating these parameters and assessing also the steady state cycle response due to creep and cyclic plasticity interaction. Two numerical examples are presented, the first one is a cruciform weldment subjected to cyclic bending moment and uniform high temperature with different dwell times. The second numerical example considers creep fatigue response on a long fibre reinforced Metal Matrix Composite (MMC), which is subjected to a cycling uniform thermal field and a constant transverse mechanical load. All the results demonstrate that the Linear Matching Method is capable of providing accurate solutions, and also relaxing the conservatisms of the design codes. Furthermore, as a direct method it is more efficient than standard inelastic incremental finite element analysis.

Creep Fatigue Life Assessment of a Pipe Intersection with Dissimilar Material Joint by Linear Matching Method

As the energy demand increases the power industry has to enhance both efficiency and environmental sustainability of power plants by increasing the operating temperature. The accurate creep fatigue life assessment is important for the safe operation and design of current and future power plant stations. This paper proposes a practical creep fatigue life assessment case of study by the Linear Matching Method (LMM) framework. The LMM for extended Direct Steady Cycle Analysis (eDSCA) has been adopted to calculate the creep fatigue responses due to the cyclic loading under high temperature conditions. A pipe intersection with dissimilar material joint, subjected to high cycling temperature and constant pressure steam, is used as an example. The closed end condition is considered at both ends of main and branch pipes. The impact of the material mismatch, transitional thermal load, and creep dwell on the failure mechanism and location within the intersection is investigated. All the results demonstrate the capability of the method, and how a direct method is able to support engineers in the assessment and design of high temperature component in a complex loading scenario.