A phase-field based finite element method for modeling graphene flake reinforced composites

A new phase-field based method is proposed to represent the graphene reinforced composites and investigate the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The discrete graphene flakes are now represented with a continuous phase-field theta(x). Considering the extremely large aspect ratio of the graphene, both isotropic and anisotropic constitutions are used for the material at the transition region between the graphene and epoxy matrix. The present model is validated through comparison with shell based finite element model for the anisotropic constitution. The present model offers a simple way to model the thin flakes with a large aspect ratio reinforced composites in FEM software.