Influence of microstructural and environmental factors on the buckling performance of carbon nanotube-enhanced laminated composites: A multiscale analysis

Stelios K. Georgantzinos, Panagiotis A. Antoniou, Konstantinos P. Stamoulis, Christos Spitas

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study introduces a detailed method for analyzing the buckling behavior of laminated composite structures strengthened with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). We propose a multi-scale analysis that combines analytical and computational techniques to assess the mechanical performance of MWCNT-reinforced composites under combined moisture, temperature, and mechanical stress conditions. The Halpin-Tsai equations are used to calculate the overall stiffness properties of the nano-enhanced matrix, considering factors like MWCNT clustering, alignment, and curvature. Additionally, we incorporate the nanoscopic, size-dependent features of MWCNTs into our model. The Chamis micromechanical formulas are applied to determine the individual elastic properties of the nanocomposite layers, considering the impacts of temperature and moisture. We then explore how variables such as MWCNT content and size, along with temperature and moisture levels, influence the critical buckling load of MWCNT-based laminated composite beams and plates using our multi-scale model. Our results are successfully compared with existing experimental and theoretical data to validate our approach. The developed method offers significant insights for the design and optimization of MWCNT-reinforced composites, potentially benefiting various engineering fields, including aerospace and automotive industries.

Original languageEnglish
Article number108055
JournalEngineering Failure Analysis
Volume158
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2024

Keywords

  • Agglomeration
  • Buckling
  • Finite element
  • Laminated composites
  • Micromechanical model
  • Moisture
  • MWCNTs
  • Orientation
  • Temperature
  • Waviness

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • General Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Influence of microstructural and environmental factors on the buckling performance of carbon nanotube-enhanced laminated composites: A multiscale analysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this