Finite element analysis of stress transfer in carbon nanotube reinforced magnesium matrix composites

Abstract

A simplified finite element model was established to simulate deformation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforcing magnesium matrix composites during the tensile test. The stress and strain of matrix and reinforcement agent and the effect of interface on mechanical behaviour of composites were specially studied. The simulation results showed that for uniformly distributed CNTs a stress concentration occurs from the fibre axis towards the interface. The simulations proved that the destruction of the composites starts at the interface; what well coincides with the experimental results.