Low velocity impact analysis of beams made of short carbon fiber/carbon nanotube-polymer composite: A hierarchical finite element approach

The low velocity impact response of beams made of carbon nanotube (CNT)/short carbon fiber (SCF)-reinforced polymer is investigated based on a hierarchical finite element approach. First, the random distribution of CNTs into the polymer matrix is modeled using a three-phase representative volume element (RVE); and the elastic modulus and density of CNT-reinforced polymer are predicted. In the RVE, the interphase region formed due to the interaction between CNTs and the matrix is considered. Then, reinforcement with SCFs is considered, and the elastic properties of SCF-CNT-polymer hybrid composite are obtained. Finally, the low velocity impact response of composite beams is analyzed.