Atomistically informed hierarchical modeling for revisiting the constituent structures from heredity and nano–micro mechanics of sheath-core carbon fiber

Abstract

To better understand the heterogeneous anisotropic nanocomposite features and provide reliable underlying constitutive parameters of carbon fiber for continuum-level simulations, hierarchical modeling approaches combining quantum chemistry, molecular dynamics, numerical and analytical micromechanics are employed for studying the structure–performance relationships of the precursor-inherited sheath-core carbon fiber layers. A robust debonding force field is derived from energy matching protocols, including bond dissociation enthalpy calculations and rigid-constraint potential energy surface scan. Logistic long range bond stretching curves with exponential parameters and shifted force vdW curves are designed to diminish energy perturbations. The pseudo-crystalline microstructure is proposed and validated using virtual wide angle X-ray diffraction patterns and bond-orientational order parameters. The distribution or alignment features of the nanocomposite microstructures are collected from quantum chemical topology analysis and normal vector extractions. Non-equilibrium tensile loading simulation predicts the decomposed strain energy contributions, principal-axis modulus, strength limit, localized stress, and fracture morphologies of the model. Finally, an atomistically-informed stiffness prediction model combining numerical homogenization and analytical self-consistent Eshelby–Mori–Tanaka-type effective mean field micromechanics theory is proposed, giving a successful estimation of the overall stiffness matrix of the sheath-core carbon fiber system. The hierarchical models in combination with the carbonization reaction template will help in providing efficient and feasible schemes for the synergistic process-performance control of distinct types of carbon fiber.