Experimental, Numerical, and Analytical Studies of Stress and Displacement in Full-Scale Beds of Activated Alumina Granular Material for Space Life-Support Systems
Publication: Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 27, Issue 2
Abstract
Granular beds made of activated alumina and magnesium oxide used for recycling/processing water in space life-support systems are usually compressed using a spring mechanism for effective functioning. The spring force is a critical factor in providing appropriate compaction to the entire length of the granular bed, and therefore, it is important to investigate and predict the axial stress and displacement along the bed. This paper presents results from experimental, numerical (finite-element), and analytical models of a full-scale dry granular material bed of activated alumina packed in a cylinder. The finite-element (FE) model, when used with proper contact model and properties, predicted both the axial stress and the displacement along the length of the granular bed well. Janssen’s one-dimensional model did not provide as accurate predictions for stress because of simplifications associated with the model. Because the system is long and slender, it is very important to properly model the wall friction in predicting the behavior of the granular bed. All the assessments used in this study indicated that the axial stress decays very steeply along the bed.
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Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge support from the following sources: Connecticut Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), Preparation Grant Program sponsored by NASA; NASA/Connecticut Space Grant College Consortium; and Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc.
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Published In
Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 27 • Issue 2 • March 2014
Pages: 336 - 346
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Feb 5, 2012
Accepted: Apr 4, 2012
Published online: Apr 10, 2012
Published in print: Mar 1, 2014
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