Geometrically non-linear analysis of FG-CNTRC shell structures with surface-bonded piezoelectric layers

Abstract

This work makes a first attempt to conduct a geometrically non-linear analysis of functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composites (FG-CNTRC) structures, with surface-bonded active layers, based on Kirchhoff shell theory. Uniform and three different distribution types of functionally graded nanocomposites are presented. These distributions are assumed to be uniaxially aligned in the axial direction and functionally graded in the shell thickness direction, while the electric potential through the thickness of the active layers is assumed to be linear. A comparison study is carried out in order to show the applicability of the current formulation applied to various shapes of shell structures. The effects of various parameters as volume fraction, distribution of nanotubes, geometrical characteristics as well as load boundary on non-linear behavior of the smart FG-CNTRC structures are investigated.