Finite element analysis of VGCF/pp reinforced square representative volume element to predict its mechanical properties for different loadings. (2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bagha, Ashok Kumar; Bahl, Shashi
• Is Part Of: Materials today. Volume 39:Part 1(2021)
• Page Start: 54
• Page End: 59
• Publication Date: 2021
• Subjects: Nanocomposites -- Representative volume element -- Vapor grown carbon fiber -- Finite element analysis -- Mechanical properties; Materials science -- Congresses -- Periodicals; 620.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2020.06.108
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-7853

Abstract

Abstract: Composite structures whose characteristic dimensions are found at the nanoscale are called nanocomposites. In this paper, vapor grown carbon fibers (VGCF) are reinforced in a polypropylene matrix, termed as nanocomposites. A square representative volume element (RVE) is taken in this analytical study to predict the storage modulus, loss modulus and strain energy of the nanocomposites. The diameter of the VGCF is 200 nm and length is 3800 nm. A longitudinal loading is applied along the length of the nanofibers to predict the modulus in the fiber directions. However, a transverse pressure is applied on the RVE to predict the modulus in the transverse direction of the fibers. In this work, two types of arrangement of the fibers are taken inside the RVE. These types are VGCF through the RVE and VGCF inside the RVE. Finite element (FE) analysis software termed as nnumerically integrated elements for system analysis (NISA) is used to predict the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The predicted results from FE method/strain energy method are compared with conventional rule of mixtures. It is observed that there is considerable improvement in longitudinal modulus of the VGCF/pp nanocomposite for addition of small amount of nanofiber.