Size-dependent effective dynamic properties of unidirectional nanocomposites with interface energy effects

This article studies the size effect on wave propagation characteristics of plane longitudinal and transverse elastic waves in a two-phase nanocomposite consisting of transversely isotropic and unidirectionally oriented identical cylindrical nanofibers embedded in a transversely isotropic homogeneous matrix. The surface elasticity theory is employed to incorporate the interfacial stress effects. The effect of random distribution of nanofibers in the composite medium is taken into account via a generalized self-consistent multiple scattering model. The phase velocities and attenuations of longitudinal and shear waves along with the associated dynamic effective elastic constants are calculated for a wide range of frequencies and fiber concentrations. The numerical results reveal that interface elasticity at nanometer length scales can significantly alter the overall dynamic mechanical properties of nanofiber-reinforced composites. Limiting cases are considered and excellent agreements with solutions available in the literature have been obtained.