Optimization of stress wave propagation in a multilayered elastic/viscoelastic hybrid composite based on carbon fibers/carbon nanotubes

Abstract

The hypothesis of incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into the interfacial layers of fiber‐reinforced polymer composites fiber‐reinforced Polymers (FRPs) to enhance their mechanical properties and mitigate the stress wave propagation during a blast event is investigated. A numerical model is developed to simulate the stress wave propagation in a laminated elastic/viscoelastic FRP. Coupled with multiobjective optimization paradigms, the optimal CNTs contents in the interfacial layers are determined to minimize the stress‐to‐strength ratio in each layer. A case study demonstrating the design of a five‐layered FRP subjected to a blast event is presented. The simulation revealed that the viscoelastic properties of the matrix material contribute significantly to the energy dissipation during stress wave propagation. It is shown that addition of 0.69% CNTs by volume to the epoxy interface significantly enhances the ability of composite to resist blast loading. Results were compared with a standard model that assumes only elastic behavior. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Dec 30, 2011
Source ID
10.1002/pc.22137

Entities

People

  • Marwan S. Al‐haik
  • Masoud Safdari

Organizations

  • Army Research Office
  • National Science Foundation

Tags

Readers

  • Mechanical Engineering/Mechanics of Materials.
  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Reinforced Composite Materials