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Computational modeling and simulation of bioinspired nacre-like composites

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  • Focus Issue: Multiscale Materials Modeling of Interface-mediated Thermomechanical Behavior
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Abstract

Inspired by design motifs driving the balanced combination of rigidity, strength, and toughness in biological materials, this paper presents 3D computational modeling and simulation of an interface-enriched hybrid nanocomposite mimicking nacre’s ultrastructure. In this architectured material model, stiff mineral tablets are bonded by relatively soft and ductile organic matrices placed in the junction and interlayer space of the microstructure. Finite element analysis of this staggered multilayered model material is conducted using an in-house developed software package in which thin organic interfaces are represented by a generalized cohesive interface zone model. The computational model is validated against experimental measurements of stress–strain curves of nacre in tension. Subsequently, the deformation/toughening mechanisms and failure modes are discussed in tension and compression loading conditions. As an important microstructural feature, the effect of tablet aspect ratio on the elastic modulus of the composite is discussed. The role of the interlayer organic matrix on damage-induced tensile instability and compressive buckling in slender composite models is elucidated.

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Acknowledgments

This work is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (Grant No. CMMI-1538448) , and a grant from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Office of the Vice President for Research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA

    Mohammad Maghsoudi-Ganjeh, Liqiang Lin, Xingzi Yang & Xiaowei Zeng

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  1. Mohammad Maghsoudi-Ganjeh
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  2. Liqiang Lin
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  4. Xiaowei Zeng
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Correspondence to Xiaowei Zeng.

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Maghsoudi-Ganjeh, M., Lin, L., Yang, X. et al. Computational modeling and simulation of bioinspired nacre-like composites. Journal of Materials Research 36, 2651–2661 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1557/s43578-021-00124-6

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