Multiscale Analysis for Interlaminar and Intralaminar Reinforcement of Composite Laminates with Carbon Nanotube Architecture

摘要

A multiscale modeling framework that bridges length scales from nanoscale tomacroscale is employed to predict the interlaminar, and intralaminar enhancement inpolymer matrix composite (PMC) laminates reinforced with carbon nanotube (CNT)architecture. Recently developed constitutive models, which are based on nanoscaleinformation, are implemented using a high-fidelity micromechanics approachaccounting for various material constituents and interphases. The microscale model iscoupled with a finite element (FE) analysis, and the framework is used to investigateload transfer characteristics and fracture toughness in PMC laminates with CNTsdispersed in the matrix, and radially-grown on the fiber surface. It is shown thatadding CNT reinforcement into the matrix or on fiber surface suggests a noteworthyincrease in the transverse elastic modulus and interlaminar fracture toughness. TheCNT growth height strongly influences the enhancement in fracture toughness. Thedeveloped multiscale methodology is versatile and can be used to investigate thestructural response of PMCs with varying geometry and loading conditions. Themodel outputs can also help guide the design, development, and optimization of CNTenhancedcomposites with improved mechanical properties.