Atomic structural change in CNT/epoxy composite models by cyclic loading simulation.

Abstract

In this study, cyclic loading analysis of CNT/epoxy composite models were performed by numerical simulation using molecular dynamics. The composite models were subjected to 20 cycles of loading and unloading deformation in low strains. The analysis was performed at two temperatures, 300K and 1K. At both temperatures, the stress at unloading increased with the maximum strain due to non-elastic deformation. Differences in volume change after unloading were also observed depending on the direction of loading and temperature. Since there was no significant change in void volume, it is considered that the structural change by cyclic loading is mainly slight changes in bond distances and bond angles within the crosslinked structure.