Vibration of Triangular Functionally Graded Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Composite Plates with Elastically Restrained Edges in Thermal Environment

Abstract

As a first attempt, the vibrational behavior of triangular functionally graded carbon nanotubes reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) isosceles plates with elastically restrained edges under thermal environment is studied. The governing equations are derived based on a unified generalized shear deformation theory, which can easily be degenerated to the other two-dimensional theories. The Chebyshev–Ritz method together with a mapping technique is employed to derive the eigenfrequency equations. The fast rate of convergence of the method is demonstrated numerically, and its accuracy is verified by comparing the results in the limit cases with some existing solutions in the literature. Then, the effects of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) distribution in thickness direction together with the geometrical parameters, temperature rise and the elastic coefficients of the edge restraints on the frequency parameters are investigated. It is shown that the induced thermal stresses increase the impact of the spring elastic coefficients on the frequency parameters.