Multiscale Modeling of Nano-Reinforced Structural Adhesive Bonds

Abstract

In this work, the mechanical properties of carbon nanotube reinforced structural adhesive bonds are investigated both theoretically and experimentally. The theoretical investigations employ a novel multiscale modeling technique that integrates governing atomistic constitutive laws in a continuum framework. This technique takes into account the discrete nature of the atomic interactions at the nanometer length scale and the interfacial characteristics of the nanotube and the surrounding polymer matrix. Appropriate formulations are developed to allow for the atomistic-based continuum modelling of nano-reinforced structural adhesive bonds on the basis of a nanoscale representative volume element that accounts for the nonlinear behaviour of its constituents; namely, the reinforcing carbon nanotube, the surrounding adhesive and their interface. This model is used to evaluate the constitutive response of carbon nanotubes with varied chiral indices. The newly developed representative volume element is then used with analytical micromechanical modeling techniques to investigate the homogeneous and dispersion of the reinforcing element into the adhesive considered upon the linear elastic properties.