Effect of temperature on properties of aluminum/single-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposite by molecular dynamics simulation

Abstract

Composite materials have become popular because of high mechanical properties and lightweight. Aluminum/carbon nanotube is one of the most important metal composite. In this research, mechanical properties of aluminum/carbon nanotube composite were obtained using molecular dynamics simulation. Then, effect of temperature on stress–strain curve of composite was studied. The results showed by increasing temperature, the Young’s modulus of composite was decreased. More specifically increasing the temperature from 150 K to 620 K, decrease the Young’s modulus to 11.7%. The ultimate stress of composite also decreased by increasing the temperature. A continuum model of composite was presented using finite element method. The results showed the role of carbon nanotube on strengthening of composite. © IMechE 2019.