Wave dispersion analysis of embedded MWCNTs-reinforced nanocomposite beams by considering waviness and agglomeration factors

Abstract

In the current investigation, the influences of waviness and agglomeration factor of nanofillers on wave dispersion of embedded nanocomposite beams reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is investigated for the first time. These beams are supported on Winkler–Pasternak elastic foundation. The effective mechanical properties of nanocomposite beam are estimated by employing a blend of a new form of Halpin–Tsai micromechanical model and rule of mixture. The kinematic and kinetic relations of nanocomposite beam are computed based upon refined higher-order shear deformation theory. Moreover, the governing equations are derived by utilizing the Hamiltonian approach. Afterward, an analytical method is used in order to solve the obtained governing equations. Effects of the wide range of variants such as volume fraction of MWCNTs, slenderness ratio, waviness factor, random orientation factor, agglomeration factor and elastic foundation coefficient on the variation of wave frequency and phase velocity have been illustrated comparatively. Furthermore, the results are thoroughly discussed to obtain the highlights of each figure.

KEYWORDS:

• Wave dispersion analysis
• MWCNTs-reinforced nanocomposite
• refined higher-order beam theory
• waviness factor
• random orientation factor
• agglomeration factor
• elastic foundation

Acknowledgements

This investigation received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).