Atomistic aspects of load transfer and fracture in CNT-reinforced aluminium
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
This paper describes atomistic simulations of deformation and fracture of Al reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). We use density functional theory (DFT) to understand the energetics of Al-graphene interfaces and gain reference data for the parameterization of Al-C empirical potentials. We then investigate the load transfer between CNTs and Al and its effect on composite strengthening. To this end, we perform uniaxial tensile simulations of an Al crystal reinforced by CNTs of various volume fractions. We also study the interaction of the embedded CNTs with a crack. We show that the interaction between CNTs and Al is weak such that, under tensile loading, CNTs can easily slide inside the Al matrix and get pulled out from the cracked surface. This effect is almost independent of CNT length and volume fraction. Little load transfer and consequently no crack bridging are observed during the simulation of pristine CNTs threading the crack surfaces. CNTs that are geometrically fixated inside Al, on the other hand, can increase the fracture stress and enhance plastic dissipation in the matrix. CNTs located in front of a growing crack pin the crack and induce plastic deformation of the Al matrix. Depending on the CNT orientation, these processes can either increase or decrease the failure stress of the composite.
Date Issued
2022-05
Date Acceptance
2022-02-22
Citation
Materialia, 2022, 22, pp.101376-101376
ISSN
2589-1529
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Start Page
101376
End Page
101376
Journal / Book Title
Materialia
Volume
22
Copyright Statement
© 2022 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Acta Materialia Inc
Sponsor
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft ( German Research Foundation )
Identifier
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589152922000618?via%3Dihub
Grant Number
LI 1847/2-1 :AOBJ 575015
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
101376