Nonlinear mechanical response of carbon nanotube/rubber composites subject to various types of loadings

Abstract In this study a new finite element model for determining nonlinear behavior of carbon nanotube/rubber composite is proposed. Carbon nanotube (CNT) is modeled based on modified molecular structural mechanics using 3D beam elements. The model of CNT at the atomistic level is based on an elastic beam element of general section which distinguishes the in-plane and out-of-plane bending stiffnesses. In this case the beam section geometry and material descriptions are combined. Because of hyperelastic behavior of the rubber, it is modeled as continuum medium using hybrid elements obeying polynomial strain energy potential. CNT is embedded in rubber and the representative volume element (RVE) is built. The Interface between CNT and rubber is considered as van der Waals forces defined by Lennard-Jones relation and modeled using nonlinear connector elements in Abaqus code. RVE is subjected to tensile, bending and torsional loading to extract itʹs mechanical properties. Elastic modulus of nanocomposite are calculated and their variation with different volume fractions of CNT is investigated. The results indicate a large improvement in the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite. Keywords - ,, , , ).