Deflection and stress behaviour of nanocomposite reinforced beams using a multiscale analysis

Bending behaviour of one-dimensional structures is an important consideration in the design of structural components. In the present study a multiscale analysis of the deflection and stress behaviour of carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced polymer composite beams is presented. The micromechanics models used in the study include straight CNTs aligned in one direction, randomly oriented CNTs and a two parameter model of agglomeration. The effects of volume fraction of CNTs and the nanotube diameter are investigated on the beam deflection and comparisons are made with carbon fibre reinforced composites. The main purpose of the study is to observe the stiffening effect of CNTs when used in structural applications such as beams.