Effects of interphase on tensile strength of polymer/CNT nanocomposites by Kelly–Tyson theory

The micromechanics models for composites usually underpredict the tensile strength of polymer nanocomposites. This paper establishes a simple model based on Kelly–Tyson theory for tensile strength of polymer/CNT nanocomposites assuming the effect of interphase between polymer and CNT. In addition, Pukanszky model is joined with the suggested model to calculate the interfacial shear strength (τ), interphase strength (σ_i) and critical length of CNT (L_c).The proposed approach is applied to calculate τ, σ_i and L_c for various samples from recent literature. It is revealed that the experimental data are well fitted to calculations by new model which confirm the important effect of interphase on the properties of nanocomposites. Moreover, the derived equations demonstrate that dissimilar correlations are found between τ and B (from Pukanszky model) as well as L_c and B. It is shown that a large B value obtained by strong interfacial adhesion between polymer and CNT is adequate to reduce L_c in polymer/CNT nanocomposites.     

A micromechanics model for the prediction of static strength of off-axis unidirectional laminates

In this paper a micromechanics model using the concentric cylinder assemblage model and the Mori-Tanaka average stress scheme is used to predict the static strength of unidirectional angle ply laminates. The predicted strengths agree with experimental results for Glass/Epoxy and Graphite/Epoxy systems.     

Tailored Microstructures: Can a Dream come True?

The mechanical properties of crystalline solids are determined by the spatial distribution of chemical elements and crystal defects, which is referred to as microstructure. Microstructure changes during processing, and its evolution can be influenced by processing conditions and external fields. Advanced microstructure codes can cover the through‐process microstructural evolution and allow first predictions of terminal materials properties.     

A physically based approach to granular media mechanics: grain-scale experiments,initial results and implications to numerical modeling

It is generally appreciated that the mechanical behavior of granular media depends fundamentally on the interaction of the constituent particles, and that the validity of numerical models of granular media would be greatly improved with knowledge of the grain-scale mechanics. However, most supporting experimental work has been conducted on highly idealized materials, and a limited amount of information exists on grain-scale force–displacement relationships for naturally occurring materials. To address this shortcoming, we are conducting a program that integrates laboratory experiments on grains of naturally occurring aggregate with the discrete element modeling method, with the goal of relating the grain-scale physical and mechanical properties of granular media to bulk behavior. The paper describes the equipment and methods that have been developed to conduct close-loop controlled, grain-scale experiments under monotonic and cyclic loading conditions, and presents results from an initial set of experiments on unbonded grains. The implications of the grain-scale results to the discrete element model are discussed. Discussions center on the applicability of a physically based approach to the mechanics of granular media in general. In light of future exploration missions and the resulting need to predict the mechanical properties of lunar and planetary regoliths, the paper examines the potential usefulness of our physically based approach to the problem of predicting the behavior of the types of materials found in those environments.     

Simulation of macroscopic material behavior for uniaxial fiber-matrix composites, using a DAE-approach

The macroscopic deformation behavior of a fiber-reinforced aluminum-boron composite is investigated. Different periodic and random arrangements of the microstructure are considered with macroscopic hardening behavior due to the evolution of plastic zones on the microscale being taken into account.

For the solution of the initial boundary value problem, a non-standard algorithm is applied. It consists of the direct solution of the whole set of equations, treating all variables as global quantities. Together with a higher order time integration method (BDF2), an automatic step size control is used in the FEM calculations.     

A multiscale model for effective moduli of concrete incorporating ITZ water-cement ratio gradients, aggregate size distributions, and entrapped voids

This paper develops a model for the effective elastic properties of concrete, which is a function of the volume fractions, size distributions, and elastic properties of fine aggregate (FA) and coarse aggregate (FA) and entrapped voids. Furthermore, the model is a function of the overall water-cement ratio and specific gravity of cement. Explicitly modeled are the water-cement ratio gradients through the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), which, in turn, affect the variation of the cement paste elastic properties through the ITZ, while maintaining the total fractions of cement and water consistent with the overall water-cement ratio. The ITZ volume is also conserved.     

The effect of two types of C-S-H on the elasticity of cement-based materials: Results from nanoindentation and micromechanical modeling

It has long been recognized, in cement chemistry, that two types of calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) exist in cement-based materials, but less is known about how the two types of C-S-H affect the mechanical properties. By means of nanoindentation tests on nondegraded and calcium leached cement paste, the paper confirms the existence of two types of C-S-H, and investigates the distinct role played by the two phases on the elastic properties of cement-based materials. It is found that (1) high-density C-S-H are mechanically less affected by calcium leaching than low density C-S-H, and (2) the volume fractions occupied by the two phases in the C-S-H matrix are not affected by calcium leaching. The nanoindentation results also provide quantitative evidence, suggesting that the elastic properties of the C-S-H phase are intrinsic material properties that do not depend on mix proportions of cement-based materials. The material properties and volume fractions are used in a novel two-step homogenization model, that predicts the macroscopic elastic properties of cement pastes with high accuracy. Combined with advanced physical chemistry models that allow, for a given w/c ratio, determination of the volume fractions of the two types of C-S-H, the model can be applied to any cement paste, with or without Portlandite, Clinker, and so on. In particular, from an application of the model to decalcified cement pastes, it is shown that that the decalcification of the C-S-H phase is the primary source of the macroscopic elastic modulus degradation, that dominates over the effect of the dissolution of Portlandite in cement-based material systems.     

Evaluation of Two Homogenization Techniques for Modeling the Elastic Behavior of Granular Materials

This paper discusses the capabilities of two homogenization techniques to accurately represent the elastic behavior of granular materials considered as assemblies of randomly distributed particles. The stress-strain relationship for the assembly is determined by integrating the behavior of the interparticle contacts in all orientations, using two different homogenization methods, namely the kinematic method and the static method. The numerical predictions obtained by these two homogenization techniques are compared to results obtained during experimental studies on different granular materials. Relations between elastic constants of the assembly, interparticle properties, and fabric parameters are discussed, as well as the capabilities of the models to take into account inherent and stress-induced anisotropy for different stress conditions.     

Yielding of Microstructured Geomaterial by Distinct Element Method Analysis

The purpose of this paper is to present macro- and micro-study on the yielding of microstructured geomaterials by numerical experiments. This target is achieved by carrying out 63 one-dimensional and biaxial compressions tests on an idealized bonded geomaterial with an extension of distinct element method, into which bond contact models proposed were implemented. Numerical results indicate that: (a) preconsolidated pressure appears to attribute to bond and looseness in the geomaterials, and an increase in void ratio leads to a decrease in yielding stress in one-dimensional tests; (b) an increase in bonding strength at interparticle contacts results in an increase in yielding stress and cohesion, and an internal friction angle that is smaller than the critical state value; (c) the observed first-yielding (initiation of bond breakage) is stress path dependent, and gross-yield (defined with respect to volumetric strain) of microstructured geomaterials is evidently related to bond breakage.     

单向不连续CF／PEEK复合材料细观力学行为分析

采用有限元模拟技术，研究了单向不连续碳纤维增强聚醚醚酮复合材料的细观弹塑性力学行为，分析了纤维端部的不连续性对复合材料中纤维与纤维、纤维与周围基体相互作用以及应力场变化的影响。在有限元计算中，引入了一个单胞模型和相关的边界条件。此外，利用体积平均法预测了在外载荷作用下单向不连续碳纤维增强复合材料的弹塑性应力-应变关系。