Spectral Finite Element Formulation for Nanorods via Nonlocal Continuum Mechanics

In this article, the Eringen's nonlocal elasticity theory has been incorporated into classical/local Bernoulli-Euler rod model to capture unique properties of the nanorods under the umbrella of continuum mechanics theory. The spectral finite element (SFE) formulation of nanorods is performed. SFE formulation is carried out and the exact shape functions (frequency dependent) and dynamic stiffness matrix are obtained as function of nonlocal scale parameter. It has been found that the small scale affects the exact shape functions and the elements of the dynamic stiffness matrix. The results presented in this paper can provide useful guidance for the study and design of the next generation of nanodevices that make use of the wave dispersion properties of carbon nanotubes.

Characterization and finite element modeling of montmorillonite/polypropylene nanocomposites

Finite element modeling can be a useful tool for predicting the behavior of composite materials and arriving at desirable filler contents for maximizing mechanical performance. In the present study, to corroborate finite element analysis results, quantitative information on the effect of reinforcing polypropylene (PP) with various proportions of nanoclay (in the range of 3-9% by weight) is obtained through experiments; in particular, attention is paid to the Young's modulus, tensile strength and failure strain. Micromechanical finite element analysis combined with Monte Carlo simulation have been carried out to establish the validity of the modeling procedure and accuracy of prediction by comparing against experimentally determined stiffness moduli of nanocomposites. In the same context, predictions of Young's modulus yielded by theoretical micromechanics-based models are compared with experimental results. Macromechanical modeling was done to capture the non-linear stress-strain behavior including failure observed in experiments as this is deemed to be a more viable tool for analyzing products made of nanocomposites including applications of dynamics. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prediction of the stiffness of nanoclay-polypropylene composites using a monte carlo finite element analysis approach

The present work deals with the prediction of stiffness of an Indian nanoclay-reinforced polypropylene composite (that can be termed as a nanocomposite) using a Monte Carlo finite element analysis (FEA) technique. Nanocomposite samples are at first prepared in the laboratory using a torque rheometer for achieving desirable dispersion of nanoclay during master batch preparation followed up with extrusion for the fabrication of tensile test dog-bone specimens. It has been observed through SEM (scanning electron microscopy) images of the prepared nanocomposite containing a given percentage (3–9% by weight) of the considered nanoclay that nanoclay platelets tend to remain in clusters. By ascertaining the average size of these nanoclay clusters from the images mentioned, a planar finite element model is created in which nanoclay groups and polymer matrix are modeled as separate entities assuming a given homogeneous distribution of the nanoclay clusters. Using a Monte Carlo simulation procedure, the distribution of nanoclay is varied randomly in an automated manner in a commercial FEA code, and virtual tensile tests are performed for computing the linear stiffness for each case. Values of computed stiffness modulus of highest frequency for nanocomposites with different nanoclay contents correspond well with the experimentally obtained measures of stiffness establishing the effectiveness of the present approach for further applications.

Spectral finite element based on an efficient layerwise theory for wave propagation analysis of composite and sandwich beams

In this paper, we present a spectral finite element model (SFEM) using an efficient and accurate layerwise (zigzag) theory, which is applicable for wave propagation analysis of highly inhomogeneous laminated composite and sandwich beams. The theory assumes a layerwise linear variation superimposed with a global third-order variation across the thickness for the axial displacement. The conditions of zero transverse shear stress at the top and bottom and its continuity at the layer interfaces are subsequently enforced to make the number of primary unknowns independent of the number of layers, thereby making the theory as efficient as the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). The spectral element developed is validated by comparing the present results with those available in the literature. A comparison of the natural frequencies of simply supported composite and sandwich beams obtained by the present spectral element with the exact two-dimensional elasticity and FSDT solutions reveals that the FSDT yields highly inaccurate results for the inhomogeneous sandwich beams and thick composite beams, whereas the present element based on the zigzag theory agrees very well with the exact elasticity solution for both thick and thin, composite and sandwich beams. A significant deviation in the dispersion relations obtained using the accurate zigzag theory and the FSDT is also observed for composite beams at high frequencies. It is shown that the pure shear rotation mode remains always evanescent, contrary to what has been reported earlier. The SFEM is subsequently used to study wavenumber dispersion, free vibration and wave propagation time history in soft-core sandwich beams with composite faces for the first time in the literature. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Finite element analysis of free vibration of the delaminated composite plate with variable kinematic multilayered plate elements

Composite laminates are prone to delamination. Implementation of delamination in the Carrera Unified Formulation frame work using nine noded quadrilateral MITC9 element is discussed in this article. MITC9 element is devoid of shear locking and membrane locking. Delaminated as well as healthy structure is analyzed for free mode vibration. The results from the present work are compared with the available experimental or/and research article or/and the three dimensional finite element simulations. The effect of different kinds and different percentages of area of delamination on the first three natural frequencies of the structure is discussed. The presence of open-mode delamination mode shape for large delaminations within the first three natural frequencies is discussed. Also, the switching of places between the second bending mode, with that of the first torsional mode frequency is discussed. Results obtained from different ordered theories are compared in the presence of delamination. Advantage of layerwise theories as compared to equivalent single layer theories for very large delaminations is stated. The effect of different kinds of delamination and their effect on the second bending and first torsional mode shape is discussed. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Finite element simulations of notch tip fields in magnesium single crystals

Recent experiments using three point bend specimens of Mg single crystals have revealed that tensile twins of {10 (1) over bar2}-type form profusely near a notch tip and enhance the fracture toughness through large plastic dissipation. In this work, 3D finite element simulations of these experiments are carried out using a crystal plasticity framework which includes slip and twinning to gain insights on the mechanics of fracture. The predicted load-displacement curves, slip and tensile twinning activities from finite element analysis corroborate well with the experimental observations. The numerical results are used to explore the 3D nature of the crack tip stress, plastic slip and twin volume fraction distributions near the notch root. The occurrence of tensile twinning is rationalized from the variation of normal stress ahead of the notch tip. Further, deflection of the crack path at twin-twin intersections observed in the experiments is examined from an energy standpoint by modeling discrete twins close to the notch root.