Vibration and mode shape analysis of sandwich panel with MWCNTs FG-reinforcement core

Abstract

The goal of this study is to fill this apparent gap in the area about vibration analysis of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) curved panels by providing 3-D vibration analysis results for functionally graded multiwalled carbon nanotubes (FG-MWCNTs) sandwich structure with power-law distribution of nanotube. The effective material properties of the FG-MWCNT structures are estimated using a modified Halpin-Tsai equation. Modified Halpin-Tsai equation was used to evaluate the Young\'s modulus of MWCNT/epoxy composite samples by the incorporation of an orientation as well as an exponential shape factor in the equation. The exponential shape factor modifies the Halpin-Tsai equation from expressing a straight line to a nonlinear one in the MWCNTs wt% range considered. Also, the mass density and Poisson\'s ratio of the MWCNT/phenolic composite are considered based on the rule of mixtures. Parametric studies are carried out to highlight the influence of MWCNT volume fraction in the thickness, different types of CNT distribution, boundary conditions and geometrical parameters on vibrational behavior of FG-MWCNT thick curved panels. Because of using two-dimensional generalized differential quadrature method, the present approach makes possible vibration analysis of cylindrical panels with two opposite axial edges simply supported and arbitrary boundary conditions including Free, Simply supported and Clamped at the curved edges. For an overall comprehension on 3-D vibration analysis of sandwich panel, some mode shape contour plots are reported in this research work.