Spanos, Pol D.2016-01-072016-01-072015-052015-04-23May 2015Decklever, Jacob. "Nanocomposite Material Properties Estimation and Fracture Analysis via Peridynamics and Monte Carlo Simulation." (2015) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/87768">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/87768</a>.https://hdl.handle.net/1911/87768This thesis presents a numerical model for the estimation of nanocomposite material properties and fracture analysis. A non-uniform peridynamic grid is utilized to simulate the nanocomposites along with Monte Carlo simulation which models single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) distribution, dispersion, curvature, orientation, length, and diameter. First, a random microstructure is generated from the user inputs consisting of a polymer matrix and SWCNTs. The system is then solved via peridynamic techniques and post-processed to obtain the bulk mechanical properties. Utilizing Monte Carlo simulations, the mean effective modulus for a given set of input parameters is derived. Fracture analysis is performed using a single realization and quasi-static loading conditions via peridynamics allowing simultaneous and spontaneous propagating fractures. The model is validated against experimental data available in the open literature.application/pdfengCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.peridynamicmonte carlonon-uniformscatterednanotubefracturenanocompositecompositematerial propertymaterial propertiesdiscontinuitynon-local mechanicsnon local mechanicsThesis2016-01-07