Prediction of nanocomposite effective elastic moduli by finite element modeling in micro scale

Since there are struggles with CNTs dispersion in the resin and production costs, synthesis and test of epoxy/carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites is not economical. For this reason, simulation methods are proper techniques to predict mechanical properties of these nanocomposites. But the actual dimensions of CNTs and their length to diameter (aspect) ratio is a cause for concern in nano and micro scale finite element modeling. In this paper, different arrangements of CNTs in epoxy matrix have been presented using a beam element as a CNT and creating representative volume element of nanocomposite in micro scale. Effects of volume fraction, aspect ratio and wave effects of CNTs on nanocmposite effective elastic moduli have been investigated. The results show that this method eliminates the limitation of both micro and nano molding and simulates the real conditions of nanocomposites and can be used to examine the effects of geometric parameters in the effective moduli. On the other hand, the simulation results have a good agreement with experimental results.