Analysis and calculation of residual stress in carbon nanotube reinforced magnesium matrix composites

Abstract

In this paper we present analysis of interfaces bonding conditions and fracture mechanism in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced by Mg matrix composites. The CNTs play a very important role in stress transfer, because they can bear larger stress in the process of deformation. We keep the hypothesis that the strengthening of Mg matrix composites is mainly caused by different thermal expansion coefficients in CNTs and matrix. For this reason, the model of enhancement of thermal residual stress was proposed; where its magnitude has been estimated by strengthening model formulas. The results were compared with the experimental author’s data from a previous work with good agreement.