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Integrated Reacting Fluid Dynamics and Predictive Materials Degradation Models for Propulsion System Conditions

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNX15CC81P
Agency Tracking Number: 150015
Amount: $124,988.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: T12.02
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2015
Award Year: 2015
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2015-06-17
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2016-06-17
Small Business Information
701 McMillian Way NW, Suite D
Huntsville, AL 35806-2923
United States
DUNS: 185169620
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Bryce Devine
 Senior Research Engineer
 (256) 726-4816
 bryce.devine@cfdrc.com
Business Contact
 Silvia Harvey
Title: Business Official
Phone: (256) 726-4858
Email: sxh@cfdrc.com
Research Institution
 Sandia National Laboratories
 Stewart Silling
 
PO Box 5800, MS-1322
Albuquerque, NM 87185-0701
United States

 (505) 844-3973
 Federally Funded R&D Center (FFRDC)
Abstract

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are routinely used by NASA to optimize the design of propulsion systems. Current methods for CFD modeling rely on general materials properties to determine fluid structure interactions. This introduces uncertainty when modeling extreme conditions, where materials degrade and properties may change as a consequence. This also limits the use of CFD as a modeling tool to assist in material selection and specification. CFDRC in partnership with Sandia National Laboratories proposes to develop a computational materials model to simulate degradation of a ceramic matrix composite material under the high temperature, high velocity flow conditions of the propulsion environment. The objective is to provide a computational tool to assist NASA in the selection and optimization of propulsion system materials and to predict material degradation and failure throughout the service life in extreme conditions. During Phase I the team will demonstrate a mesoscale materials model based on peridynamics, a theory of continuum mechanics that can describe fracture and defect progression at the level of the microstructure. Peridynamics provides a theoretical framework to dynamically simulate fracture and mechanical erosion at the mesoscale, where properties such as tensile strength and toughness are affected by features of the microstructure and composite design. The proposed modeling scheme use CFD to establish the thermal-mechanical stresses imposed at the boundaries of the structure. Peridynamics simulations will be used to determine the evolution of the macroscale properties as a function of microstructure, damage and boundary conditions. Methods to link time and condition dependent materials properties with the CFD system will be evaluated.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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