G.I. Giannopoulos¹, S.K. Georgantzinos², D.E. Katsareas², N.K. Anifantis²

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.56, No.3, pp. 231-248, 2010, DOI:10.3970/cmes.2010.056.231

Abstract A hybrid finite element formulation, combining nanoscopic and macroscopic considerations is proposed, for the prediction of the elastic mechanical properties of single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-based composites. The nanotubes are modeled according to the molecular mechanics theory via the use of spring elements, while the matrix is modeled as a continuum medium. A new formulation concerning the load transfer between the nanotubes and matrix is proposed. The interactions between the two phases are implemented by utilizing appropriate stiffness variations describing a heterogeneous interfacial region. A periodic distribution and orientation of the SWCNTs is considered. Thereupon, More >

Alamusi¹, Y.L. Liu¹, N. Hu^1,2

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.20, No.2, pp. 101-118, 2010, DOI:10.3970/cmc.2010.020.101

Abstract In this work, we propose a 3 dimensional (3D) numerical model to predict the piezoresistivity behaviors of a nanocomposite material made from an insulating polymer filled by carbon nanotubes (CNTs). This material is very hopeful for its application in highly sensitive strain sensor by measuring its piezoresistivity, i.e., the ratio of resistance change versus applied strain. In this numerical approach, a 3D resistor network model is firstly proposed to predict the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite with a large amount of randomly dispersed CNTs under the zero strain state. By focusing on the fact that… More >

Hui- Shen^1,2, Zheng Hong Zhu³

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.18, No.2, pp. 155-182, 2010, DOI:10.3970/cmc.2010.018.155

Abstract This paper investigates the buckling and postbuckling of simply supported, nanocomposite plates with functionally graded nanotube reinforcements subjected to uniaxial compression in thermal environments. The nanocomposite plates are assumed to be functionally graded in the thickness direction using single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) serving as reinforcements and the plates' effective material properties are estimated through a micromechanical model. The higher order shear deformation plate theory with a von Kármán-type of kinematic nonlinearity is used to model the composite plates and a two-step perturbation technique is performed to determine the buckling loads and postbuckling equilibrium paths. Numerical… More >

J. Wang¹, D. C. C. Lam²

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.17, No.3, pp. 215-232, 2010, DOI:10.3970/cmc.2010.017.215

Abstract Selected elastic moduli of nanocomposites are higher than the elastic moduli of microcomposites. Molecular immobilization and crystallization at the interfaces had been proposed as potential causes, but studies suggested that these effects are minor and cannot be used to explain the magnitude observed in nanocomposites with >3nm particles. Alternately, molecular simulation of polymer deformation showed that rotation gradients can lead to additional molecular rotations and stiffen the matrix. The stiffening is characterized by the nanostiffening material parameter, l2. In this investigation, an analytical expression for nanostiffening in nanocomposites was developed using finite element analysis. The More >

A.N. Guz, V.A. Dekret¹

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.49, No.1, pp. 69-80, 2009, DOI:10.3970/cmes.2009.049.069

Abstract The two models in the three-dimensional theory of stability of the nanotube reinforced composite materials are discussed. The model of "infinite fibers" and the model of "short fibers" are considered. The primary objective is attended to "short fibers" model. All results are obtained in the framework of the three-dimensional linearized theory of stability of deformable bodies. More >

A.N.Guz¹, V.A.Dekret¹

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.42, No.3, pp. 177-186, 2009, DOI:10.3970/cmes.2009.042.177

Abstract Stability problem of composite material reinforced by periodical rows of short fibers is solved. The problem is formulated with application of equations of linearized three-dimensional theory of stability. The composite is modeled as piecewise-homogeneous medium. The influence of geometrical and mechanical parameters of the composite to the critical strain is investigated. More >

Edward Van Keuren¹, MakiNishida¹

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.14, No.1, pp. 61-78, 2009, DOI:10.3970/cmc.2009.014.061

Abstract Room temperature solution-based synthetic methods are an important option for the production of a wide range of nanomaterials. These methods often rely on self-assembly or self-organization of molecular precursors, with specific control of their nucleation and growth properties. We are developing strategies for the creation of multifunctional composite nanoparticles as well as models for predicting the bulk properties from the individual components and parameters of the processing conditions. One method of synthesis is a reprecipitation technique in which nanoparticle nucleation and growth is induced by the rapid injection of a molecular solution into a miscible… More >

Weixue Tian¹, Ronggui Yang²

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.24, No.2&3, pp. 123-142, 2008, DOI:10.3970/cmes.2008.024.123

Abstract In this paper, we investigated the effective thermal conductivity of three dimensional nanocomposites composed of randomly distributed binary nanoparticles with large differences (contrast ratio) in their intrinsic (bulk) thermal conductivity. When random composites are made from particles with very different thermal conductivity (large contrast ratio), a continuous phase of high thermal conductivity constituent is formed when its volumetric concentration reaches beyond the percolation threshold. Such a continuous phase of material can provide a potentially low resistance pathway for thermal transport in random composites. The percolation theory predicts the thermal conductivity of the random composites to… More >

W. Chen¹, B. Song¹

The International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences, Vol.3, No.1, pp. 51-56, 2007, DOI:10.3970/icces.2007.003.051

Abstract Polymeric nanocomposite materials present potentials in applications with high-rate loading. In the experiments to determine the dynamic response of such nanocomposites, we used pulse shaping techniques on a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) for constant-strain-rate deformation under dynamically equilibrated stresses in specimens such that accurate stress-strain curves at various dynamic strain rates were obtained. Corresponding quasi-static stress-strain was also obtained to study the rate effects over a wide range. In this paper, the dynamic and quasi-static compression experimental results are presented and discussed on two types of polymeric nanocompositres: a polycarbonate (PC)/clay nano-composite and a More >

L. Roy Xu¹, Charles M. Lukehart², Lang Li², Huacheng Kuai¹

The International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences, Vol.3, No.1, pp. 9-14, 2007, DOI:10.3970/icces.2007.003.009

Abstract Graphitic carbon nanofibers were used to reinforce epoxy resin to form nanocomposite adhesive bonding. Good dispersion and polymer wetting of the GCNF component is evident on the nanoscale. Tensile and shear joint strength measurements were conducted for metal-metal and polymer-polymer joints using pure epoxy and nanocomposite bonding. Very little bonding strength increase, or some bonding strength decrease, was measured. More >