Developing a Compressive Fracture Theory for Nanocomposites

The paper addresses a compressive-failure theory for polymer-matrix nanocomposites in the case where failure onset is due to microbuckling. Two approaches based on the three-dimensional linearized theory of stability of deformable bodies are applied to laminated and fibrous nanocomposites. According to the first approach (continuum compressive-failure theory), nanocomposites are modeled by a homogeneous anisotropic medium with effective constants, including microstructural parameters. The second approach uses the piecewise-homogeneous model, three-dimensional relations for fibers (CNT) and matrix, and continuity conditions at the fiber-matrix interface. The compressive-failure theory is used to solve specific problems for laminated and fibrous nanocomposites. Some approximate failure theories based on the one- and two-dimensional applied theories of stability of rods, plates, and shells are analyzed.