Dynamic analysis of functionally graded carbon nanotube–reinforced shell structures with piezoelectric layers under dynamic loads

Abstract

This research makes a first attempt to investigate the dynamic characteristics of functionally graded carbon nanotube–reinforced composite plates and shell structures with surface-bonded piezoelectric layers. A variational formulation is derived based on the linear double director shell theory to ensure realistic parabolic variation of transverse shear strain along the thickness direction. The assumed natural strains method is adopted to enhance the accuracy of the four-node piezoelectric shell element developed in this study. Numerical studies are conducted to validate the efficiency and numerical stability of the proposed model to predict the behavior of piezolaminated composite shell structures. Furthermore, dynamic responses are extended to functionally graded carbon nanotube–reinforced composite shells covered by two active layers. The host structure is reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotubes, which are assumed to be graded through the thickness direction with different types of distributions and embedded in a polymer matrix. The effect of the volume fractions, distribution type, and geometrical parameters of the carbon nanotubes is examined.