Evaluation of fracture energy for nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes using numerical and micromechanical methods

ABSTRACT

This research presents numerical and micromechanical investigations of the effects of carbon nanotube (CNT) weight fraction on nanocomposites fracture energy. For this reason, numerical models consisting of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5% CNT weight fractions are developed based on TEM image taken from nanocomposite samples. Fracture energy of these nanocomposites is determined using finite element simulations and micromechanics models. To determine the crack growth path and fracture parameters, mixed mode loading was applied on the nanocomposites. Also, fracture energy is determined using FESEM images along with numerical analysis. Finally, the numerical results were compared with experimental measurements found in the literature.

KEYWORDS:

• Crack growth
• fracture energy
• mixed mode fracture
• carbon nanotubes
• nanocomposite