Probing the Mechanical Properties of Graphene-Reinforced Composites

In this thesis, adopting finite element methods, a series of static indentation simulations was first performed on layered nanocomposites consisting of graphene/metal oxides. Detailed analyses fundamentally elucidated the effects of materials properties, graphene volume fractions, and stacking orders on the force-displacement responses, Young's moduli, and stress/strain distributions of the heterostructures. Specifically, with increasing the thicknesses of metal oxide layers, the mechanical responses of nanocomposites exhibit a transition from non-linear behaviors to linear behaviors. Moreover, these responses can be modulated by nuances in layer arrangements, i.e., stacking orders, of the nanocomposites. Following this, a set of dynamic tensile test simulations was performed on graphene/polymer nanocomposites. It was found that temperatures, graphene volume fractions, and boundary conditions can induce different effects/trends on maximum stress/strain values, the related distribution patterns, as well as Young's Moduli. The results reported here can greatly help with understanding the mechanical properties of graphene-reinforced nanocomposites.