Simulation of impact and post-impact behavior of carbon nanotube reinforced polymer using multi-scale finite element modeling

The impact analysis of carbon nanotube reinforced polymer (CNTRP) is performed using 3D finite element model. A multi-scale finite element model is employed consisting of single walled carbon nanotube (CNT), non-bonded interphase region and surrounding matrix. The discrete structure of CNT is modeled at nanoscale, while surrounding polymer is simulated at microscale. Impact and post-impact analysis of neat resin and CNTRP are conducted and the results are compared. The behaviors of CNTRP subjected to high strain rate loading in both axial and transverse directions are evaluated. The results revealed that even small portion of carbon nanotubes improve dynamic behaviors of polymer against impact loading in presence of non-bonded interactions in the interphase region.