Multiscale Modeling of Nanocomposite Structures with Defects

Abstract

A method for the numerical modeling of mechanical behavior of nanocomposite materials reinforced with the carbon nanotubes, based on the computational homogenization as a multiscale method, is presented. The matrix reinforcement interactions, based on the weak van der Waals forces are incorporated into the multiscale model and are represented by the nonlinear rod elements. The reinforcements, i.e. carbon nanotubes, are modeled as a space frame structure, using beam finite elements. Computational homogenization and representative volume element (RVE) are the basis of the presented numerical model of the nanocomposites. Nanoscale model is based on beam and non-linear rod finite elements. An algorithm is developed for the analysis of the presented nanostructure, and for the purpose of the software verification, examples, i.e. models of the nanocomposite material are presented. Also, the nanocomposite model with various vacancy defects in the reinforcement, i.e. nanotube, has been prepared and the obtained results are compared and discussed.Keywords Nanocomposite materials · Carbon nanotubes · Multiscale modelling · Computational homogenization