A rigid body dynamics simulation enhanced representative volume element builder for CNT/Al composite

A novel representative volume element (RVE) builder is developed to solve the strong “framing effect” problem in previous RVE builders. Taking advantage of rigid body dynamics simulation, the new RVE builder can construct RVEs of CNT/Al with high volume fractions and complex geometries of CNTs. 3D RVEs with random/aligned CNTs and three volume fractions (1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 vol.%) are constructed. Uniaxial tensile tests of these RVEs are simulated. The loading direction is parallel/perpendicular to the aligned CNTs. Based on the simulations, Young’s moduli and stress–strain curves are calculated to study the load transfer strengthening mechanism of CNT/Al. Compared to the unreinforced Al, the 4.5 vol.% CNT/Al with aligned CNTs shows ~ 28% increment in Young’s modulus, while the one with random distributed CNTs only shows ~ 11% increment. The simulation results match well with the reported experimental results.