10 – Influence of interphase and inclusion waviness on stiffness properties of a nanoenhanced matrix

Abstract Micromechanical modeling approaches are used to investigate the effects of carbon nanofiber (CNF) waviness and the matrix–fiber interphase region on the stiffness properties of a nanoenhanced thermoset polymer matrix. The interphase region is modeled using the multi-inclusion approach, and the effects of its mechanical properties and profile on the overall elastic properties of the nanoenhanced matrix are calculated. Moreover, the effect of waviness is explored by varying the wavelength and amplitude of a sinusoidal model.