A multiscale model coupling molecular dynamics simulations and micromechanics to study the behavior of CNT-enhanced nanocomposites

A comprehensive, point-information-to-continuum-level analysis framework is presented in this paper to accurately characterize the behavior of CNT-enhanced composite materials. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are performed to study atomistic interactions of the CNT with the polymeric phase. The effect of cross-linking between the epoxy resin and the hardener on the mechanical properties of the polymer is investigated; furthermore, the effect of CNT weight fraction on the most likely polymer cross-linking degree is also studied through stochastic models. The stochastic distributions obtained from MD simulations provide a basis to simulate local variations in the matrix properties at the fiber-centered continuum model at the microscale. The interfaces at nanoscale (CNT and matrix) and microscale (fiber and CNT-dispersed matrix) are characterized by performing CNT pullout simulations, and a single fiber pullout simulation, respectively.