A novel method to decrease residual stresses by adding multi-walled carbon nanotube to the matrix of laminated composites |
Paper ID : 1417-UFGNSM-FULL |
Authors: |
Abstract: |
Process-induced residual stresses, during the curing stage, arise in polymer matrix composites (PMC) as a result of a mismatch of mechanical properties of the resin and fibers. Thermal residual stress is one of the major factors affecting composite mechanical performance. Transverse cracks, deformation in non-symmetrical laminates and loss of strength of the components are some consequences of the existence of the residual stresses. The negative coefficient of thermal expansion and the high tensile modulus of MWNT can be utilized to counterbalance the process induced residual stresses in laminated composites. In this work, the effects of adding multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) to the matrix of laminated composite in reducing the residual stresses of laminated composites are studied in detail. The classical lamination plate theory and the micromechanical model are used to model the effect of MWNT in reducing the residual stresses in laminated composites. |
Keywords: |
Residual stress, Multi-walled carbon nanotube, thermal expansion, laminated composite, polymer |
Status : Paper Accepted (Poster Presentation) |