Structural analysis demonstration of constitutive and life models

The overall objective of this program is to demonstrate the applicability of NASA-developed advanced constitutive and life damage models for calculating cyclic structural response and crack initiation in selected components of reusable space propulsion systems. The computer model resulting from this program will enable the user to produce an accurate life prediction of hot gas path, life limiting components of propulsion systems such as the space shuttle main engine (SSME). Previously developed computer models addressing constitutive modeling and life damage will be combined in an advanced finite element analysis to generate a sophisticated baseline life prediction program. A material data base will be established for the constitutive and life models parametrically involving temperature, strain range, strain rate, mean strain/stress, and dwell time. The verified computer program will be used to accomplish the life predictions of three SSME critical components as evidence of the model functionality.