A methodology for constitutive relationships estimation for SWNT reinforced composites

Abstract

Purpose

This paper computationally estimates the constitutive relationships of composite materials reinforced by single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT).

Design/methodology/approach

A multiscale analysis is considered. At the nanoscale level, molecular dynamics (MD) are used to predict the stiffness for an equivalent beam. A BEM solver for the elasticity problems is extended to allow the presence of inclusions and hence is used to model a RVE for the composite matrix with the equivalent nanotube beams. A genetic algorithm (GA) is developed to generate an initial population of anisotropic materials based on FEM. The GA evolves the population of properties of anisotropic materials till a material is found whose mechanical response is the same as that of the nanocomposite.

Findings

The overall process is suitable for the constitutive relationships estimation according to the verification process outlined.

Research limitations/implications

The present work is limited to 2D linear problems. However, extending it to 3D non‐linear applications is straight forward.

Practical implications

The present technique could be used to estimate properties of NCT composites, hence practical applications such as aeroplane structures or turbine blades could be analysed using commercial finite element software. The present methodology could be used to estimate non‐mechanical properties such as the thermal and electric properties.

Originality/value

The present computational technique has never been presented in the literature.

Citation

Hussein, A.M. and Rashed, Y.F. (2013), "A methodology for constitutive relationships estimation for SWNT reinforced composites", Engineering Computations, Vol. 30 No. 3, pp. 409-447. https://doi.org/10.1108/02644401311314367