Mechanics of deformation of carbon nanotube-polymer nanocomposites

The goal is to develop finite element techniques to evaluate the mechanical behavior of carbon nanotube enabled composites and gain a thorough understanding of the parameters that affect the properties of the composite, both micro- and macroscopically. Micromechanical models of representative volume elements (RVEs) of unit-cell and random multi-particle distributions are used to study such parameters and their performance and accuracy in doing is compared and discussed. The microstructural parameters of interest can be loosely categorized in two groups: those related to the geometry of the composite and those associated with the matrix-nanotube interactions as well as the load transfer mechanisms along the interface and inside the nanotubes. Among the geometry-related parameters, of particular interest are the nanotube aspect ratio, the number of walls, as well as the weight and volume fraction of nanotubes, their distribution and alignment in the matrix and their curvature. In terms of the matrix-nanotube interactions, emphasis is given on the bonds developed between the matrix and the nanotube and their effect on load transfer. The amount of load transferred internally in multi-wall nanotubes is also investigated. A number of models have been created and finite element methods have been employed to analyze the macroscopic mechanical behavior of nanotube-enabled composites, using the axial stiffness as the common metric in all cases. Fully functionalized matrix-nanotube interfaces have enabled the separate investigation of load transfer internally in multi-wall nanotubes. Unit-cell RVEs with appropriate periodic boundary conditions to emulate regular stacked or regular staggered arrays of nanotubes within a matrix,

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2004

Author dc:creator

• Akiskalos, Theodoros, 1978-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Mary C. Boyce.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/17928

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/17928