Comparison Between Different Finite Element Methods for Foreseeing the Elastic Properties of Carbon nanotube Reinforced Epoxy Resin Composite

摘要

In this paper the mechanical properties of carbon nanotube C.N.T reinforced epoxy resin composite are studied with several methods in order to determine the best finite element modeling method. Composite effective module in different aspect ratios and volume fractions have been calculated. Effective ratio which achieved by different orientations of C.N.Ts in matrix has been investigated too. Two methods have been applied. In the first method by embedding a C.N.T into representative volume element with different alignments the equivalent module were calculated. In the second method, the nanotube was modeled as a beam element in a representative surface element. In both methods by substituting the obtained equivalent module in surface element, composite effective module has been calculated. Finally, the achieved results are compared with Halpin-Tsai method and also experimental results.