Finite element based indentation contact analysis of SWCNT nano-composite

The focus of the present study is to simulate the indentation type contact behaviour of single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) based nanocomposite. The contact system consists of a deformable Aluminium matrix, reinforced with a group of SWCNTs, and a conical indenter which is assumed as rigid. Downward and upward displacement is imparted on the conical indenter in order to simulate the loading and unloading phases of the contact. The model has been developed using APDL code on the ANSYS platform. Adequacy and validity of the model has been established by comparison with results from already published papers available in literature and the matching between the two sets of results is found to be excellent. In terms of results, contact forces, contact area, contact pressure and deformation behaviour are extracted from the analysis with varying wall thickness of CNTs. Detailed analysis of the obtained results has been carried out and it is found that sink in and pile up (in one particular scenario) behaviour is exhibited. It is also found that due to high deformation of the tubes at high indentation depth, there is material flow towards the axis of symmetry and creation of small elastic zones in the matrix material.