Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Graduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Arjun Myadam, Graduate student
Lead Presenter's Name
Arjun Myadam
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Sirish Namilae
Abstract
Carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are extensively used in aerospace, automotive, and structural applications owing to their high specific strength, stiffness, and design flexibility. The mechanical performance of these composites is critically governed by the fibre–matrix interface, which controls stress transfer and directly influences damage initiation, crack propagation, and fracture behaviour. The interface strength is quantified through the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and fracture energy, both serving as key indicators of composite integrity. Nanoscale fibre surface modifications are widely employed to enhance interfacial bonding and can also impart multifunctionality, such as capacitive properties, magnetic behaviour, and piezoelectricity. For instance, nanoscale MOF and ZnO modifications on carbon fibres have been shown to improve interfacial strength, whereas MnO2 modifications introduce valuable capacitive properties, but come at the cost of reduced IFSS and fracture energy. Addressing this performance trade-off between strength and multifunctionality forms the central motivation of this study. The objective of this study is to develop a single-fibre pushout finite element model (FEM) in which the fibre–matrix interface is represented using a cohesive zone model (CZM), enabling accurate computation of IFSS and fracture energy. The model was developed using experimental nanoindentation data and demonstrates strong correlation with experimental results, confirming its validity as a predictive tool. Building on this validated framework, novel partial interface configurations incorporating both strong (ZnO) and weak (MnO2) interfacial regions were systematically designed and evaluated. Results indicate that a hybrid interface consisting of equal ZnO and MnO2 coverage on the same carbon fibre improves IFSS by 29% and fracture energy by 103% relative to a fully MnO2-coated fibre, demonstrating that targeted partial interface design can simultaneously achieve multifunctionality and enhanced mechanical performance.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Enhancing Fibre–Matrix Interface Properties in CFRPs using Cohesive Zone Modelling
Carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are extensively used in aerospace, automotive, and structural applications owing to their high specific strength, stiffness, and design flexibility. The mechanical performance of these composites is critically governed by the fibre–matrix interface, which controls stress transfer and directly influences damage initiation, crack propagation, and fracture behaviour. The interface strength is quantified through the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and fracture energy, both serving as key indicators of composite integrity. Nanoscale fibre surface modifications are widely employed to enhance interfacial bonding and can also impart multifunctionality, such as capacitive properties, magnetic behaviour, and piezoelectricity. For instance, nanoscale MOF and ZnO modifications on carbon fibres have been shown to improve interfacial strength, whereas MnO2 modifications introduce valuable capacitive properties, but come at the cost of reduced IFSS and fracture energy. Addressing this performance trade-off between strength and multifunctionality forms the central motivation of this study. The objective of this study is to develop a single-fibre pushout finite element model (FEM) in which the fibre–matrix interface is represented using a cohesive zone model (CZM), enabling accurate computation of IFSS and fracture energy. The model was developed using experimental nanoindentation data and demonstrates strong correlation with experimental results, confirming its validity as a predictive tool. Building on this validated framework, novel partial interface configurations incorporating both strong (ZnO) and weak (MnO2) interfacial regions were systematically designed and evaluated. Results indicate that a hybrid interface consisting of equal ZnO and MnO2 coverage on the same carbon fibre improves IFSS by 29% and fracture energy by 103% relative to a fully MnO2-coated fibre, demonstrating that targeted partial interface design can simultaneously achieve multifunctionality and enhanced mechanical performance.