Nanocomposites damage characterisation using finite element analysis
by M. Bourchak, B. Kada, M. Alharbi, K. Aljuhany
International Journal of Nanoparticles (IJNP), Vol. 2, No. 1/2/3/4/5/6, 2009

Abstract: Nanocomposites are novel materials that are receiving great attention from the aerospace community because of the inherent high strength and stiffness of the nanotubes/nanofibres embedded in the nanocomposite matrix. These features are particularly appealing to aircraft designers who strive to produce long lasting and safe components that can perform at the highest and extreme levels. However, the mechanical properties, damage initiation and propagation are yet to be fully comprehended. Consequently, in this work, the mechanical behaviour of nanofibres is characterised by finite element analysis (FEA). In particular, the stiffness mismatch of the nanofibres and the matrix are studied under simulated static loading conditions. A comparison of the formation of singular interfacial stress zones (stress concentrations) in various forms of nanofibre is then presented. It is shown that an optimised nanofibre composite design is not only influenced by the nanofibre stiffness but also by the nanofibre length and nanofibre shape. Finally, recommendations are made on producing nanocomposites with high failure strength.

Online publication date: Wed, 30-Sep-2009

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Nanoparticles (IJNP):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

    Username:        Password:         

Forgotten your password?


Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com