Modeling fiber bridging and matrix strengthening effect in multiscale-woven composites

A potential application of this multiscale composites and the methodology is validated by modeling a double cantilever beam specimen using finite element methods and analyzed. Mori–Tanaka micromechanics was used to evolve the bulk properties of the carbon nanotube (CNT)/epoxy nanocomposite. An existing analysis strategy was employed that used cohesive elements to model the toughness effects on the delamination initiation as well as propagation. The cohesive element model was derived from superposition of two cohesive laws—one accounting the fiber bridging effect and the matrix strengthening by CNTs and the other representing the initiation of the interlaminar fracture toughness (ILF). The numerical simulation correlated well with the experimental results. The present study involves analytical investigation of the mode-I ILF and addresses the overall toughening effects due to CNTs and fibers.