Simulating a Self-Healing Composite for Aerospace Applications

Abstract: Polymers and polymer composites, due to their strength-to-weight ratios and mechanical properties, are being increasingly used in the aerospace industry. However, their poor performance when subjected to impact loading and their tendency to undergo fatigue may reduce the operational lifetimes of the aircraft and spacecraft they may be used in. Repair in the aerospace field is not ideal, especially in its space subsection, as damaged components are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to reach. Self-healing mechanisms may hold the key to extending the operational lifetimes of these polymer components, allowing for longer missions and objectives larger in scale by performing in-situ repairs as damage is caused. Additionally, nanostructures can be added in order to strengthen the mechanical performance of the material. Using these principles, a self-healing polymer composite consisting of an Epon 828 epoxy matrix, a vascular healing system utilizing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to contain a poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) healant, and embedded nitinol shape-memory alloy wires to facilitate crack closure was designed with the help of extensive literature review. The creation of simulations building a slab of the material and then testing its properties to determine whether it is suitable for the harsh conditions commonly found in the aerospace field on LAMMPS-GUI are currently in progress. Each component of the composite material will be simulated separately and then integrated into the final material, which will then be assessed. The input file simulating the carbon nanotube component has been completed, and the epoxy matrix crosslinking simulation is in progress.