Stress, deflection, and frequency analysis of CNT reinforced graded sandwich plate under uniform and linear thermal environment: A finite element approach

Abstract

The frequency, deflection, and stress values of carbon nanotube reinforced sandwich plate structure is investigated numerically under the influence of the mechanical loading and thermal field. The effective properties of individual components of sandwich structure (face sheet and core layer) are assumed to be temperature‐dependent and modeled via thermoelastic constitutive relations. In addition, the distribution of carbon nanotube through the thickness of the face sheets are assumed to follow the rule based grading pattern. Further, the sandwich structural panel modeled using the extant high‐order shear deformation kinematic theory for the mathematical purpose. The desired structural responses (frequency, deflection and stress) obtained numerically through a generic finite element based computer code developed in MATLAB. The convergence criteria and the accuracy of the current high‐order finite element solutions have been assessed by solving a sufficient number of numerical examples. Lastly, the influences of structural parameters (core to face thickness ratios, carbon nanotube fractions, type of loading, aspect ratios, end constraints, length to thickness ratios, type of carbon nanotube gradings, and type of temperature gradings) on the transverse deflection and frequencies of carbon nanotube‐reinforced sandwich structure are obtained under the elevated thermal field and the subsequent conclusions discussed accordingly. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3792–3809, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers