Deflection and Buckling behaviour of simply supported nanocomposite beams under FSDT approach

Abstract

Due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced polymer composites are being considered as one of the most promising nanocomposites which can improve the performance when used in structural applications. The deflection and buckling behavior are the most important parameters needs to be considered in the design of structural members like beams, plates and shells. In the present paper the elastic constants of CNT reinforced polymer composites has been evaluated by using Mori-Tanaka micromechanics approach. Knowing the elastic properties of CNT reinforced polymer composites, an analytical study is being conducted to investigate the deflection and buckling behaviour of nanocomposites beams for different CNT volume fractions at different boundary conditions using first order shear deformation theory. The effect of stacking sequence and CNT radius on the deflection and buckling of beam is also been presented. This study is being conducted primarily with an intension to examine the stiffening effect of CNTs when used in polymer composites as reinforcement.