Modeling the effective mechanical properties of “fuzzy fiber” composites across scales length

Abstract

We employ a variant of generalized Eshelby's homogenization method to deduce effective properties of multilayered nanostructured fiber composites where one layer is highly heterogeneous with respect to its mechanical response strain gradients. We focus on carbon (C) fibers coated by carbon nanotubes (CNT) embedded in polymeric matrix with the aid of CNT "blistered" interphase layer developed between the coating and the matrix during processing and/or use. Each of the three phases is treated for simplicity by classical elasticity, while the interphase layer around the coated fibers ("fuzzy fibers") to provide adhesion, and is treated by the simple gradient elasticity (GradELa) model. The novelty of the work lies on the fact of treating the CNT "fuzzy" layer by the GradEla model, that consequently allows to consider the extra gradient coefficient or internal length (characterizing this model) in relation to other constitutive and geometric parameters of the composite to optimize its overall mechanical properties and functionality. The method is general and can apply to treat other types of "fuzzy fiber" composites.

A Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchical Method to Reduce Imprecision and Uncertainty in Drilling Operation’s Factor Selection Process for Unidirectional Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic Composite Plates

“…The study concludes that the method's performance efficiently exceeds the empirical design and other optimization approaches. Lurie et al (2018) treated the carbon nanotubes "fuzzy" stratum using the GradEla scheme, which permits an additional gradient coefficient or internal length compared with other composite constitutive and geometric attributes. The aim is to establish the optimal total mechanical properties and functionality thresholds.…”

Recursive multiscale homogenization of multiphysics behavior of fuzzy fiber composites reinforced by hollow carbon nanotubes

“…The potential advantages obtained from the use of composites with enhanced fibers have fostered a tremendous interest in understanding the mechanical, thermal, and electric properties of such composites (Aravand et al, 2016; Aziz et al, 2015). Not only many experiments have been conducted in the literature in an effort of improving interphase behavior through fuzzy fiber technology (Aziz et al, 2015; Li et al, 2015; Qian et al, 2010; Yildiz et al, 2020), but also a few theoretical models are available to understand the micro/nanomechanics behaviors of fuzzy fiber composites, namely elastic (Chatzigeorgiou et al, 2011, 2012; Lurie et al, 2018; Rao et al, 2021); elastic-plastic (Chatzigeorgiou et al, 2020; Chen et al, 2021); thermoelastic (Kundalwal and Ray, 2014); electromechanical (Dhala and Ray, 2015; Kundalwal et al, 2013). From the modeling point of view, the fuzzy fiber microstructures can be regarded as hierarchically reinforcing materials.…”