Elasticity solution of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite cylindrical panel subjected to thermo mechanical load

Abstract

Thermoelastic analysis of composite cylindrical panel reinforced by single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) with simply supported edges by using three-dimensional theory of elasticity. Thermoelastic constant of carbon nanotube (CNT) as well as polymer matrix are assumed to be temperature independent. The volume fractions of oriented, straight SWCNTs are assumed to be uniformly distributed (UD) and or graded in the thickness direction according to four kinds of CNT distributions. The effective material properties of the nanocomposite cylindrical panel are based on rule of mixture. At first temperature distribution in three dimensions is obtained by solving heat conduction differential equation with variable coefficient. By applying Fourier series expansion to the stress and displacement fields along the axial and circumferential direction and state space technique along the radial direction thermoelastic analysis is carried out. Moreover, effects of volume fraction of carbon nanotube, uniform distribution and functionally graded distribution of CNT, mid radius to thickness ratio, length to mid radius ratio, thermal and mechanical surface boundary conditions on bending behavior of FG-CNTRC cylindrical panel are also examined.