Multiscale Modelling and Simulation of 3D Effective Homogenization for Material Properties of MWCNT and RHA Reinforced in Al P0507 Matrix Composite

Abstract In order to reduce experimental costs, this study aimed to predict the performance of a new metal matrix composite through numerical modeling techniques. The objective was to accelerate the process of experimental testing by replicating the specific characteristics observed at the micro-scale of the composite. Aluminum P0507 alloy served as the matrix material, while multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and Rice Husk Ash (RHA) were chosen as reinforcements. These materials were combined to create a novel lightweight composite with promising physical and mechanical properties. To evaluate the elastic properties of the metal matrix composites, namely Al+RHA, Al+MWCNT, and Al+RHA+MWCNT hybrid composites, the Representative Volume Elements (RVE) model was utilized. The DIGIMAT-FE software was employed to model and simulate the performance of these composites under various volume fractions. At a volume fraction of 0.09%, it was observed that the composites reinforced with MWCNT and RHA exhibited higher elastic moduli of 79.3133 GPa and 77.6667 GPa, respectively, in the uniaxial-1 direction with aligned oriented inclusions, using an RVE geometric model in Digimat-F.E. Additionally, the minimum Poisson's ratios of the MWCNT and RHA composites were found to be 0.3122 and 0.3130, respectively, when examined with aligned inclusions as compared to 3D random and 2D random inclusions. Furthermore, the hybrid reinforced composites demonstrated an increase of 83.67 GPa and 31.39 GPa in the maximum elastic modulus and shear modulus, respectively, when compared to composites with random 3D and 2D inclusions.