ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9094-6191
Creation Date
5-4-2026
Degree
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Major(s)
Mechanical Engineering
Document Type
Immediate Campus-Only Restricted Access
Abstract
Carbon nanotube (CNT) Buckypaper presents a compelling solution to inherent limitations in carbon fiber reinforced polymer ‘s (CFRP) electrical and thermal conductivity. CNT Buckypaper is a freestanding, entangled network of carbon nanotubes that offers exceptional mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties without the diffusion challenges associated with free CNT powder mixing. Accurately predicting its macroscale behavior from physical properties remains a significant challenge for design and research. Currently, the predominant approach is a representative volume element (RVE).
This study investigates whether multiple wall CNT Buckypaper can be feasibly modeled in SolidWorks, a commercial, general-purpose modeling software. The approach uses discrete elements made from individually modeled CNT fibers. Discrete CNT elements mimic Buckypaper's complex architecture, using the most ordered arrangements.
The purpose of this research is to see if commercial, general-purpose modeling software can characterize Buckypaper reliably. This could reduce the need for resource-intensive, specialized nanoscale simulation.
Date Defended
4-30-2026
Funding Source
None
Thesis Director
Dr. Vivek Khare
Second Committee Member
Dr. Morgan Green
Third Committee Member
Dr. Tommy Anderson
Recommended Citation
Jones, Nolan R., "Modeling Carbon Nanotube Buckypaper in SolidWorks for Thermo-Sensing" (2026). Honors Theses. 214.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/honorstheses/214
