Study of Composite Joint Strength with Carbon Nanotube Reinforcement

Abstract

Strengthening of composite joints is a topic of recent research. The benefits of using locally applied carbon nanotubes to reinforce a carbon fiber composite joint were studied. The effect of carbon nanotubes on enhancing the fracture toughness and joint interface strength was investigated by performing Mode I, Mode II, and Mixed Mode I/Mode II fracture with and without carbon nanotubes applied locally at the joint interface. Furthermore, the effects of seawater absorption on Mode II fracture were investigated. Finally, an optimization of carbon nanotube concentration was performed. During the study, the image correlation technique was used to examine the fracture mechanisms altered by the introduction of carbon nanotubes. The experimental study showed that carbon nanotubes can increase the fracture toughness of the composite interface significantly, especially for Mode II, including a physical change in the fracture mechanism.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA488628

Entities

People

  • Susan D. Faulkner

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Carbon Fibers
  • Carbon Nanotubes
  • Composite Materials
  • Composite Structures
  • Fiber Reinforced Polymers
  • Fibers
  • Fullerenes
  • Graphitic Materials
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Materials Testing
  • Mechanics
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Polymer Matrix Composites
  • United States Naval Academy

Readers

  • Electrochemical Engineering/ Fuel Cell Technologies
  • Mechanical Engineering/Mechanics of Materials.
  • Thin Film Deposition Science.