Journal of Theoretical
and Applied Mechanics
57, 1, pp. 207-219, Warsaw 2019
DOI: 10.15632/jtam-pl.57.1.207

Investigation of crack resistance in epoxy/boron nitride nanotube nanocomposites based on multi-scale method

Hossein Hemmatian, Mohammad Reza Zamani, Jafar Eskandari Jam
Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) possess superior mechanical, thermal and electrical pro-
perties and are also suitable for biocomposites. These properties make them a favorable
reinforcement for nanocomposites. Since experimental studies on nanocomposites are time-
consuming, costly, and require accurate implementation, finite element analysis is used for
nanocomposite modeling. In this work, a representative volume element (RVE) of epo-
xy/BNNT nanocomposites based on multi-scale modeling is considered. The bonds of BNNT
are modeled by 3D beam elements. Also non-linear spring elements are employed to simu-
late the van der Waals bonds between the nanotube and matrix based on the Lennard-
-Jones potential. Young’s and shear modulus of BNNTs are in ranges of 1.039-1.041TPa and
0.44-0.52TPa, respectively. Three fracture modes (opening, shearing, and tearing) have been
simulated and stress intensity factors have been determined for a pure matrix and nanocom-
posite by J integral. Numerical results indicate that by incorporation of BNNT in the epoxy
matrix, stress intensity factors of three modes decrease. Also, by increasing the chirality
of BNNT, crack resistance of shearing and tearing modes are enhanced, and stress inten-
sity factor of opening mode reduced. BNNTs bridge the crack surface and prevent crack
propagation.
Keywords: boron nitride nanotube, epoxy, fracture modes, finite element model, multi-scale method

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