Effect of kinetic energy on dynamic behavior of Nanoclay/Epoxy nanocomposites

Abstract

The dynamic behavior of nanocomposites, owing to variations in impact velocity, was investigated in this study. Young’s modulus was modified using the modified rule of mixture to obtain transverse properties of the nanocomposites, which were more accurate than that of the rule-of-mixture composites. Combinations for four kinetic energies of 0.051, 0.204, 0.817, and 1.84 J, which corresponded to impact velocities of 5, 10, 20, and 30 m/s, respectively, were considered. The nanocomposites were composed of 20 layers positioned at [0/45/0/-45/0]2S with a nanoclay content of 5 wt.% NC. It was found that as the kinetic energy increased, the maximum contact force and deflection increased, and the contact duration decreased. Generally, for variables of geometry change, the contact force and deflection tended to be opposite for most dynamic responses, but the two relationships tended to be similar for the kinetic energy variables. In other words, as the kinetic energy increased, the contact force, plate deflection, rebound energy, and absorbed energy increased, whereas the coefficient of restitution decreased.