Modeling Shock Impact & Dissipation in Self-Assembling Polymers

Abstract

The aim of this proposal is to develop and apply new reactive coarse-grained molecular dynamics (MD) models to understand the impact of coordinated bonds, like hydrogen bonds and pi-pi stacking rings - on the self-assembly and shock mechanics of self-assembled elastomers. These new models bridge atomic and microstructural scales to model elastomer mechanics while preserving the precise chemical coordination of the underlying bonds that drive self-assembly. Models will be used to simulate shock propagation and shock-induced plasticity in self-assembled networks with controlled bond coordination, bond cohesion, and microphase separated microstructures. Our efforts will test the hypothesis that the size, shape, and distribution of microphase separated interfaces strongly influence how shock front energy is dissipated into breaking of self-assembled associative bonds. If successful, these research efforts will elucidate the relationships between molecular architecture and self-assembled network morphologies and will identify the specific mechanisms of molecular plasticity that are drive the dissipation of shock energy in self-assembled elastomers during ballistic impact.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Jul 24, 2023
Source ID
N000142312635

Entities

People

  • Thomas O Connor

Organizations

  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy

Tags

Readers

  • Polymer Science and Technology
  • Quantum Dot Semiconductor Device Photonics and Graphene Optoelectronic Materials and THz Physics.
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.