In this project a finite element method has been used to simulate and study longitudinal and transverse deformation
of Representative Volume Elements (RVE) of two ceramic matrices composites subjected to uniaxial tensile loading parallel to
single nanotubes. Ceramic matrices firstly Alumina (AL2O3), secondly Silicon carbide (SiC), both reinforced by three types of
single nanotubes reinforcements for each one, once Alumina, Carbon and Graphite respectively. Finite Element technique has
been used to predict the damage and effective mechanical properties of nanotubes-based composites. The mechanical properties
as stress–strain relation, Von-mies stress and strain, deformation, shear stress behaviour are estimated by using a 3-D nanoscale
solid Representative Volume Element (RVE) and using input parameters (density, Modulus of Elasticity, Poisson’s ratio) in
software of ANSYS.

CONCLUSIONS
The present work studied the behavior of two types of
advanced ceramics Al2O3, SiC as matrices under tensile force
with three types of reinforcements Alumina, Carbon and
Graphite. To predict the damage and effective mechanical
properties of nanotubes-based composites, are evaluated by
using a 3-D nanoscale solid representative volume element
(RVE) and using the finite element method (FEM). Due to
small size, low density and good electrical and thermal
conductivity of nanotubes has been studied as
reinforcements.The main aim of using nanotubes is to shift
stress from matrix to reinforcement and to improve
mechanical properties, thermal performance and electrical
characteristics, magnetic performance of ceramic composite.
The Alumina- Alumina composite deformation less than
Alumina-Carbon and Alumina-Graphite composite, but both
possess elongation more than Alumina-Alumina before
collapsing. The stress conditions are better for Graphite and
Carbon reinforcement than Alumina. In other words, Graphite
resist tensile load more than Carbon, Graphite and Carbon
showed much better results than Alumina for shear stress and
shear strain. Alumina reinforced by Graphite is more usable for
applications with tensile forces. Regard behavior of Silicon
Carbide matrix and three types of single-wall nanotubes with
same tensile load and input parameters, the results roughly
similar to the values of Alumina matrix with same types of
reinforcements.