Finite element nonlinear transient modelling of carbon nanotubes reinforced fiber/polymer composite spherical shells with a cutout

Abstract

This study dealt with geometrically nonlinear transient behaviors of carbon nanotube/fiber/polymer composite (CNTFPC) spherical shells containing a central cutout. A multiscale analysis using the Hewitt and Malherbe model was performed to determine the carbon nanotube (CNT)weight ratios, thickness-radius ratios, thickness-length ratios of CNTs, and cutout sizes. Based on the first-order shear deformation plate theory (FSDT),the Newmark method and Newton-Raphson iteration were used for the nonlinear dynamic solution. The proposed approach in this study has been verified by previous studies. Parametric results showed the significance of a proper CNT ratio and curvature for better structural performance on the nonlinear dynamic behaviors of CNTFPC spherical shells with a cutout.