hydroforming of carbon nanotubes reinforced composites.

[DKGajjar]

hello.

I want to know if hydroforming process is applicable in forming of carbon nanotubes reinforced composites or any other metal forming process that can be implemented, as I want to do a finite element analysis on the above subject.

thank you

 

[RPstress]

Almost any sort of forming of fiber composite needs a ductile matrix, although Glare (a layered fiber metal laminate or FML) can be formed to a degree and forming of dry fabrics can also be undertaken.

If a thermoplastic matrix or metal matrix (TPMC or MMC) is used than they can be formed with fibers in situ.

A thermoset polymer matrix (PMC) can be formed while the matrix cures and becomes more-or-less solid (though it's often above its Tg on solidification), as in diaphragm forming of continuous fibers or bulk molding or sheet molding compounds (BMCs or SMCs, together often known as compression molding compounds or CMCs). CNTs are probably more similar to the situation with a CMC. NB: do not confuse a compression molding compound CMC with a ceramic matrix composite CMC.

For MMC, carbon fibers generally need protection if a titanium matrix is used, as titanium carbide tends to be formed. Nickel coating can be used. For carbon nanotubes coating may not be easy and so possibly an aluminum matrix may be more appropriate.

Aluminum matrix or AMC should be formable (though harder to form than aluminum). Aggressive curvatures which would fracture carbon fibers will do less damage to nanotubes.

Process modeling for MMC will have similar requirements to modeling sheet metal forming. PAM-STAMP or possibly PAM-FORM and LS-Dyna (explicit FE modeling in general) are the sort of tools needed. Variations on these are often used for forming thermoplastic matrix composites. Extensive data on the plastic deformation of the matrix is needed, rheology of the resin in its hot and liquid states for TPMC.

For a thermoset PMC or CMC information is need about the rheology of the resin as it becomes liquid and cures. The implicit solver LUSAS can be used for simple process modeling of PMC.

At present CNT composites use a low fiber volume fraction of CNTs (often two to five percent CNTs) and should be quite formable.

What sort of composite did you have in mind?