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<p>Two-dimensional continuum modeling and simulations were conducted to predict how the size, quantity, and stiffness of  reinforcing particles such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) affect failure mechanisms at the interface of composite structures. First, the  strength model used the finite element method (FEM) on a slender composite beam with step-joint containing reinforcing particles  to predict its critical stress-strain behavior at the joint interface under compressive axial load. Next, the fracture mechanics model  used the virtual crack extension method on the same composite beam containing an internal crack to predict how the energy release  rate was affected by reinforcing particles at the interface under the same compressive axial load. Comparing the two results to  experimental data showed that the fracture mechanics model predicted the interface failure behavior better than the strength model.  Finally, the fracture mechanics model was used for a composite plate containing an edge crack to study how the energy release rate  was affected by several parameters of reinforcing particles near the crack tip under transverse shear load. In each case,  homogeneous models served as baselines for comparative analyses. Outcome of this work not only represents reliable and  efficient modeling of composite interfaces in order to improve failure strength through the addition of nanoscale reinforcing  particles such as CNTs but also serves to focus future research in structural application of CNTs, especially within testing and  evaluation of CNTs in composite scarf-joint interfaces.
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<br>Subjects: Mechanical engineering; Carbon; Modeling</div>
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Griffiths, Robert P.</div>
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