Advanced nanoindentation simulations for carbon nanotube reinforced nanocomposites

Abstract Mechanical properties of Carbon Nanotube (CNT) reinforced composites are obtained utilizing finite element (FE) method-based indentation simulations considering large strain elasto-plastic behavior of elements. This study includes nanoindentation simulations for chemically non-bonded CNT/matrix interface, including the length scale effect of nanocomposites. In order to investigate the mechanical properties of CNT reinforced nanocomposites, a number of FE models for nanoindentation tests have been simulated. Sample nanocomposites are examined to determine the suitable types of CNTs and their effectiveness as a reinforcement of different potential matrices. The Parametric study is conducted to obtain the influence of wall thickness, relative positioning, and volume fraction of CNT and strain hardening parameter of matrix on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites. The obtained results indicate that, properties such as modulus of elasticity and hardness of the nanocomposites are largely dependent on wall thickness of CNT and strain hardening parameter of the matrix. This study also suggests, the minimum wall thickness of CNT to avoid local buckling in nanocomposite which is required to be at least 0.2 nm for a diameter to thickness ratio of 5.0. Moreover, a matrix having a value of strain hardening parameter near 0.1 is expected to be significantly effective for nanocomposite.