Non-Linear Stability Characteristics Of Randomly Distributed Cnt-Reinforced Fiber Composite Beams Under Thermo-Mechanical Loadings

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to elucidate the non-linear stability characteristics of randomly distributed carbon nanotube-reinforced fiber composite (RD-CNTRFC) beams subjected to thermo-mechanical loading. Effective material properties of RD-CNTRFC are estimated using the Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka approach and Halpin–Tsai micromechanical techniques. The material properties are considered to be temperature-dependent, and the influence of carbon nanotube (CNT) agglomeration is also incorporated in material properties estimation of hybrid matrix. The strain-displacement relations are assumed by incorporating the higher-order shear deformation theory and geometrical nonlinearity (von Kármán). The governing partial differential equations are obtained by minimizing the total potential energy of the beam. Buckling loads of beam subjected to in-plane compressive loads are estimated using Eigen value approach. Similarly, buckling temperatures are also determined by solving Eigenvalue problem iteratively due to temperature-dependent material properties. The non-linear equilibrium paths under thermal and mechanical loadings are traced through iterative Eigenvalue approach. Numerical results are presented to elucidate the influence of various parameters like CNT agglomeration, ply sequences, span-to-depth ratio, boundary conditions, and mass fraction of CNTs. © 2023 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.