Micromechanics predictions for two-phased nanocomposites and three-phased multiscale composites: A review

Abstract

Advanced composites enhanced with nanoparticles demonstrate a plethora of potential uses in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries. However, there are difficulties in tailoring the properties of these materials during manufacturing. In order to fully utilize such materials, there is a need for a more fundamental understanding of composite structures after nanoparticle integration so that manufacturing these materials can be more efficient. In order to achieve this, the use of modeling and predictive methods has been frequently employed. This review seeks to summarize the recent advances in the analytical micromechanical analysis of nano-enhanced composites. First, we introduce the basic concepts involved in micromechanics. Next, we review existing micromechanics models. Then, we discuss the applications of these models in the prediction of nano-enhanced two-phased composite properties. Finally, we will extend our discussion to the recent incorporation of these models to three-phased composites or “multiscale” composite materials.