CONTINUUM MODEL FOR GRAPHENE-BASED COMPOSITES

Graphene has been attracting great interest because of its distinctive band structure and physical properties. The study of graphene-based composites is one of the most important aspects. In this paper, a coarse-grid (CG) beam model of graphene is proposed based on molecular structural mechanics approach and energy equivalence. The determination of the Young's modulus and geometrical parameters of the coarse grid of graphene are described. Then the continuum model for graphene-based composites is established to calculate the elastic properties of the composites. The covalent bonds between carbon atoms found in graphene are simplified to the coarse-grid model and assigned elastic properties using beam elements. The matrix phase is modeled as a continuum medium using solid elements. The connection of these two regions is assumed to be bonded perfectly. Analysis of graphene-based composites having single layer graphene with different coarse factors are performed. Using the proposed model, the deformations obtained from the simulation are used to predict the elastic moduli of the graphene-based composites. A significant enhancement in the stiffness of the graphene-based composites is observed. The finite element results are in an acceptable agreement.