Finite Element Modelling and Analysis of Micro-Capsule Based Self-Healing Polymeric Composites

Self-healing polymeric composites are a class of functional composites which heal itself during damage. Out of the many methods of self-healing, micro-capsule based self-healing process is the proven and established method where the healing agent stored in the capsule breaks and seals up the gap after the polymerization reaction with the suitable catalyst. The incorporation of the capsule in a polymer matrix in a random fashion makes it challenging to model the composite material. This paper explains the modelling and simulation of the self-healing composite using MIDAS NFX FEA software. The effect of self-healing composition - micro-capsule size and concentration on the static mechanical properties of the composite is explored. The capsules are integrated in the polymer matrix as a representative volume element using the rule of mixtures. The classical laminate theory was used to identify the critical ply failure.