Abstract
The paper presents a numerical procedure to evaluate the mechanical properties and predict the damage initiation of random multiwalled carbon nanotubereinforced polymer nanocomposites (MWCNT-RPNC). The Hashin-Shtrikman (H-S) random prediction model is used to compute the properties of the reinforced polymer matrix, whereas the Chamis model is used to compute the lamina properties and the Hashin progressive damage model within the ABAQUS environment is used as a finite element analysis (FEA) tool to predict the damage initiation in the reinforced composite material. Experimental testing is employed to validate the numerical results and to adjust the H-S prediction model for MWCNT-RPNC.