Simulation of several CNT based macrostructures using slip-link model and discrete element method

Abstract

The CNT macrostructures including membranes start by forming web on which CNT fibers are oriented along the web axis, some of them are parallel and others are poorly aligned or coiled. Since the CNT web impacts on the properties of derived macrostructures, the simulation of CNT membranes attracted significant attentions. The scanning electron microscopy analysis of CNT webs showed that CNT fibers entangle together. This entanglement is a key factor for the formation of CNT macrostructures because it allows the array of parallel fibers to unfold continuously into CNT networks. The work focuses on modelling the interconnection between CNT fibers within membranes and also other macro-structures and then analyzing mechanical properties of them