Bending behavior of carbon nanotube-reinforced composites

The multi-scale modeling method was utilized to study the bending characteristics of a carbon nanotube (CNT) and CNT-reinforced composites.Through combining molecular dynamics and continuum mechanics,the tensional and flexural modulus of a CNT were calculated by a finite element model constructed by reticulate beams with solid cylinder shape and energy equal to C-C bonds.Then,another beam element with hollow cylinder shape and equivalent stiffness was utilized in place of a CNT in a matrix,thus,a multi-scale representative volume element (RVE) model of CNT-reinforced composite was established.Using this RVE model,the bending behavior of CNT-based composites Was analyzed.The influence of diameter D,length L,aspect ratio L/D,volume fraction,chiral of CNTs and shape of RVE as well as the arrangement of CNTs in matrix on the rein-forcement effect of flexural modulus of resultant nanocomposites were further discussed.The obtained data provide useful information for the design of CNT-reinforced composites.