Abstract
This paper presents modelling and characterization of the elastic behavior of multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites. Firstly, atomistic based finite element modelling of MWCNT is developed using computational software ANSYS® by applying various loading and boundary conditions. The present developed atomistic based FE model of MWCNTs are validated with the available literature in terms of elastic properties. Secondly, a two-phase micromechanics model based on the Mori-Tanaka is used to evaluate the elastic properties of the MWCNT reinforced polymer nanocomposite by replacing MWCNTs with equivalent fibers as micro inclusions. Finally, Chamis model is used to evaluate the elastic properties of the three-phase MWCNT reinforced with GFRP composite. The equivalent elastic properties of the three-phase composite are compared and validated with the experimental results. Further, the detailed parametric study is performed to investigate the influence of tube chirality, weight percentage and agglomeration of MWCNT in terms of the elastic properties. It was concluded that the atomistic based FE modelling of MWCNT combined with Mori–Tanaka and Chamis model is efficient to evaluate the elastic properties of three-phase composites with the confidence on the extracted results compared with experimental results. Further, the presented combined model provides an efficient methodology and comprehensive understanding to analyze elastic behavior of MWCNTs and three-phase fiber/MWCNT/polymer composite. So, the presented combined numerical and experimental study could serve as guidelines in modelling and characterization of elastic behaviour of MWCNT reinforced with GFRP composites.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call