Micromechanical simulation and experimental investigation of aluminum-based nanocomposites

Ceramic reinforced metal matrix nanocomposites are widely used in aerospace and auto industries due to their enhanced mechanical and physical properties. In this research, we investigate the mechanical properties of aluminum/Nano-silica composites through experiments and simulations. Aluminum/Nano-silica composite samples with different weight percentages of silica nanoparticles are prepared via powder metallurgy. In this method, Nano-silica and aluminum powders are mixed and compressed in a mold, followed by sintering at high temperatures. Uniaxial tensile testing of the nanocomposite samples shows that adding one percent of Nano-silica causes a considerable increase in mechanical properties of nanocomposite compared to pure aluminum. A computational micromechanical model, based on a representative volume element of aluminum/silica nanocomposite, is developed in a commercial finite element software. The model employs an elastoplastic material model along with a ductile damage model for aluminum matrix and linear elastic model for nano-silica particles. Via careful determination of model parameters from the experimental results of pure aluminum samples prepared by powder metallurgy, the proposed computational model has shown satisfactory agreement with experiments. The validated computational model can be used to perform a parametric study to optimize the micro-structure of nanocomposite for enhanced mechanical properties.     

Effect of functionally-graded interphase on the elasto-plastic behavior of nylon-6/clay nanocomposites; a numerical study

In nanocomposites, the interphase thickness may be comparable to the size of nano-particles, and hence, the effect of interphase layers on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites may be substantial. The interphase thickness to the nano-particle size ratio and properties variability across the interphase thickness are the most important affecting parameters on the overall behavior of nanocomposites. In this study, the effect of properties variability across the interphase thickness on the overall elastic and elasto-plastic properties of a polymeric clay nanocomposite (PCN) using a functionally graded (FG) interphase is investigated in detail. The results of the computational homogenization on the mesoscopic level show that Young's modulus variation of the interphase has a significant effect on the overall elastic response of nanocomposites in a higher clay weight ratio (Wt). Moreover, strength variation through the interphase has a notable effect on the elasto-plastic properties of PCNs. Also, the increase or decrease in stiffness of interphase from clay to matrix and vice versa have a similar effect in the overall behavior of nanocomposites.     

Iran’s Nuclear Fatwa: Analysis of a Debate

For more than a decade, Iran has been referring to a fatwa issued by its Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, proscribing nuclear weapons. The fatwa, however, not only failed to influence the process that led to the resolution of Iran’s nuclear crisis, but also has been met with a good deal of skepticism. The most commonly held suspicions about the credibility of the fatwa can be summed up in five central questions: (1) Has the nuclear fatwa actually been issued? (2) Does the fatwa apply to all the aspects of nuclear weapons including their production, possession and use? (3) What is the juridical status of the fatwa? (4) Was the nuclear fatwa issued only to deceive other nations? (5) Is the fatwa really irreversible? This article tries to answer these questions by providing a chronological review of the fatwa and analyzing all the relevant statements by Khamenei. The analysis is conducted against the background of Islamic principles, Shi’a jurisprudence and the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The article concludes that the fatwa is a credible religious decree and could indeed contribute to the cause of nuclear disarmament.