Low velocity impact analysis of high-order rectangular FG-CNTRC plates using the weak form QEM

Abstract

The functionally graded carbon nanotubes reinforced composites (FG-CNTRC) plates have excellent properties and broad application prospects. In the analysis of low velocity impact response of functionally graded carbon nanotubes reinforced composite plates, innovative numerical formulations are urgently needed. As a new high-order numerical method, the weak form quadrature element method (QEM) has its unique advantages and has been widely used in the engineering structural field. In this paper, the nonlinear Hertzian contact law is employed to describe the impact process between a rigid impactor and the rectangular FG-CNTRC plate, that was modelled with the Reddy’s high-order shear deformation theory. By using the weak form QEM, the calculation model for the impact system is established, and the numerical solution is carried out with the help of Newmark-β step-by-step time domain integration method and Newton-Raphson iteration technology. The effectiveness and accuracy of the weak form QEM formulation were verified through the comparison with the existing literature and the relevant low velocity impact properties of FG-CNTRC plate are explored.