The nonlinear deflection response of CNT/nanoclay reinforced polymer hybrid composite plate under different loading conditions

Abstract

The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are used as significant reinforcement materials in the advanced composites due to their improved mechanical properties. The carbon nanotubes reinforced nanocomposites have improved mechanical strength, and stiffness properties in addition to their reduced weight. Only a few percentages of CNTs (2–5% by weight) could be added to these nanocomposites as more volume fraction will deteriorate their mechanical properties. A computational approach is used in the present investigation to find the mechanical properties of the hybrid nanocomposite which is modeled by adding nanoclay particles into the conventional CNTs reinforced epoxy system. Using Halpin-Tsai approach (which is based on the micromechanical modeling) the mechanical properties of hybrid nanocomposites are evaluated. The effect of the CNTs and the nanoclay particles on the nonlinear transverse central deflection response of nanocomposite plate under different loading conditions is studied in detail. The simulation results of present investigation have been validated with the data sets of the deflection responses available in the references.