Characterization of Nonlinear Behaviors of CSCNT/Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Laminates

Abstract

Nonlinear mechanical behaviors of unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) laminates using cup-stacked carbon nanotubes (CSCNTs) dispersed epoxy are evaluated and compared with those of CFRP laminates without CSCNTs. Off-axis compression tests are performed to obtain the stress–strain relations. One-parameter plasticity model is applied to characterize the nonlinear response of unidirectional laminates, and nonlinear behaviors of laminates with and without CSCNTs are compared. Clear improvement in stiffness of off-axis specimens by using CSCNTs is demonstrated, which is considered to contribute the enhancement of the longitudinal compressive strength of unidirectional laminates and compressive strength of multidirectional laminates. Finally, longitudinal compressive strengths are predicted based on a kink band model including the nonlinear responses in order to demonstrate the improvement in longitudinal strength of CFRP by dispersing CSCNTs.