Article: Nanocomposites damage characterisation using finite element analysis Journal: International Journal of Nanoparticles (IJNP) 2009 Vol.2 No.1/2/3/4/5/6 pp.467-475 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. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Nanocomposites damage characterisation using finite element analysis

Authors: M. Bourchak, B. Kada, M. Alharbi, K. Aljuhany

Addresses: Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, KSA. ' Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, KSA. ' Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, KSA. ' Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, KSA

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.

Keywords: nanocomposites; nanofibres; finite element analysis; FEA; failure analysis; damage initiation; static loading; Von Mises; damage characterisation; nanoparticles; nanotechnology; aircraft design; aerospace industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNP.2009.028782

International Journal of Nanoparticles, 2009 Vol.2 No.1/2/3/4/5/6, pp.467-475

Published online: 30 Sep 2009 *

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Title: Nanocomposites damage characterisation using finite element analysis

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