Mesoscopic distinct element method-enabled multiscale computational design of carbon nanotube-based composite materials

There is a sustained effort to develop super-lightweight composites by using polymer impregnation of carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets. This promising area is still in its early stages and significant progress is required before CNT-based composites can be used in load bearing aerospace structures. Researchers from the University of Minnesota, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology in Moscow will develop a broad scope multiscale modeling methodology able to simulate the mechanics of these materials. A mesoscopic distinct element method will allow for simulations of massive fibrous ensembles not only through parallel computing but also through efficient coarse graining of the atomistic scale interactions. This development will accelerate progress by providing the ability to guide experimental design through simulations.

A mesoscopic distinct element method will allow for simulations of massive fibrous ensembles not only through parallel computing but also through efficient coarse graining of the atomistic scale interactions. This development will accelerate progress by providing the ability to guide experimental design through simulations.

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