Multi-Scale Modeling of a Graphite-Epoxy-Nanotube System

Abstract

A multi-scale method is utilized to determine some of the constitutive properties of a three component graphite-epoxy-nanotube system. This system is of interest because carbon nanotubes have been proposed as stiffening and toughening agents in the interlaminar regions of carbon fiber/epoxy laminates. The multi-scale method uses molecular dynamics simulation and equivalent-continuum modeling to compute three of the elastic constants of the graphite-epoxy-nanotube system: C11, C22, and C33. The 1-direction is along the nanotube axis, and the graphene sheets lie in the 1-2 plane. It was found that the C11 is only 4% larger than the C22. The nanotube therefore does have a small, but positive effect on the constitutive properties in the interlaminar region.