Finite element analysis of the mechanical properties of graphene aluminium nanocomposite: varying weight fractions, sizes and orientation

In this study, the elastic properties of aluminium nanocomposite representative volumetric element (RVE) reinforced with GNP have been analysed. Pure aluminium is lightweight and has low strength which is not suitable for various aerospace applications. Adding graphene to aluminium gives a highly strengthened nano-matrix. A 3D multiscale finite element (FE) representative volumetric element (RVE) has been developed to estimate the mechanical behaviour of GNP-reinforced aluminium graphene nanocomposite (AGNC). The factors influencing the behaviour of AGNC have been investigated with different weight fractions (wt%), sizes and orientations of GNP. The Young's modulus of AGNC is enhanced by increasing the wt% of GNP and reducing the size of GNP in the aluminium matrix. The Young's modulus of AGNC with 1% wt% has been enhanced two times and yield strength by five times than pure Al matrix. In the case of different sizes of GNP, the strength of 15-nm-diameter GNP AGNC enhanced two times and medium-sized GNP, i.e. 30 nm has shown a great combination of strength and ductility. After that different orientations have also influenced the mechanical properties and enhancement shown in layered orientation compared to different angles of GNP.

Automated summary

In this study, the elastic properties of GNP-reinforced aluminium nanocomposite (AGNC) were analyzed using a 3D multiscale finite element method. The results showed that the addition of GNP significantly enhanced the Young's modulus and yield strength of AGNC, especially when the weight fraction of GNP was 1%. The size of GNP also influenced the mechanical properties, with 15nm and 30nm diameter GNP showing the best combination of strength and ductility. Additionally, the orientation of GNP had an impact on the enhancement, with a layered orientation showing better results compared to different angles of GNP.