Semi-analytical framework for modelling of surface heating and its impact on nonlinear stability of nanotube reinforced doubly curved porous fiber composite panels

Abstract

In elevated temperatures, the stiffness of the panel deteriorates and can lead to loss of stability of structures. Hence, the stability analysis of thin-walled structures is a critical investigation in the thermal environment. Finding such criticality, the present semi-analytical study investigated the nonlinear stability behaviour of porous doubly curved thin-walled panels subject to surface heating like dome heating and localised heating. To improve the stiffness of the panel, the matrix is reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Improper mixing of such nanoparticles can lead to agglomeration or bundling effect, which may reduce the structure's stiffness. Still, its investigation in surface heating can be an essential aspect that is found to be untouched by researchers for porous shell panels. The effective material properties of the three-phase composite panel are determined using the Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka (E-M-T) approach and the Chamis homogenisation technique. Using the variational principle, governing equations are derived and further simplified to non-linear algebraic equations using the Galerkin technique. Gibson and Ashby foam model is used to model cell structure. It is observed that a complete agglomerated state results in higher post-buckling strength, a continuous deformation path due to biaxial compression and curved geometry, and porosity of cellular structure distribution and cell walls are the important parameters to study the stability of panel in a thermal environment are the major conclusions drawn from the current study. Current investigation can be an important contribution towards modelling aircraft structure in supersonic airflow and furnace walls of thermal power plants subjected to localised heating.