An Experimental-Computational Study of Length-scale Based Toughness Enhancement in Graphene/Epoxy Nanocomposites for Structural Light-weighting
Abstract
The project is an experimental and theoretical study of nanoscale reinforcement of composites. Focus will be on length-scale effects of the reinforcing phase. This focus is new and promises to provide understanding of how to optimize the mechanical properties of nanocomposites. Experiments will be conducted at the University of Alabama and the Materials and manufacturing Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory. Although the proposed approach requires the addition of a very small percentage of, e.g., nanoplatelets (<1 weight %) to the composite structure, it is anticipated that the resulting increase in fracture toughness (>100%) would lead tosignificant weight reduction in the design of the overall structure due to increased toughness and flaw tolerance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2018
- Source ID
- FA95501810084
Entities
People
- Vinu Unnikrishnan
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Alabama