Bending analysis of functionally graded CNT reinforced doubly curved singly ruled truncated rhombic cone

Abstract

The bending analysis of functionally graded carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced doubly curved singly ruled truncated rhombic cone is investigated. In this study, a simple C⁰ isoparametric finite element formulation based on third order shear deformation theory is presented. To characterize the membrane-flexure behavior observed in a CNT reinforced truncated rhombic cone, a displacement field involving higher-order terms in in-plane fields is considered. The proposed kinematics field incorporates for transverse shear deformation and nonlinear variation of the in-plane displacement field through the thickness to predict the overall response of the CNT reinforced truncated rhombic cone in an accurate sense. The material properties of the CNT reinforced truncated rhombic cone are estimated according to the rule of mixture. The present model eliminates the need of shear correction factor and imposed zero-transverse shear strain at upper and lower surface of the truncated rhombic cone. The new feature in present model is simultaneous inclusion of twist curvature in strain field as well as curvature in displacement field that makes it suitable for moderately thick and deep truncated rhombic cone. The proposed new mathematical model is implemented in finite element code written in FORTRAN. The proposed model has been validated with analytical, experimental, and finite element results from the literature. This is first attempt to study bending response of CNT reinforced doubly curved singly ruled truncated rhombic cone. The effect of CNT distribution, boundary condition, loading pattern, and other geometric parameters are also examined.

Keywords:

• Carbon nanotube
• doubly curved truncated cone
• finite element method
• functionally graded shell

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful for the Financial Sanction of the research project vide File No: EMR/2016/004682 by SCIENCE & ENGINEERING RESEARCH BOARD (SERB) (a statutory body of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interests was reported by the authors.