Nonlinear stability of CNT-reinforced composite cylindrical panels with elastically restrained straight edges under combined thermomechanical loading conditions

Abstract

This article investigates the nonlinear stability of composite cylindrical panels (CPs) reinforced by carbon nanotubes (CNTs), resting on elastic foundations and subjected to combined thermomechanical loading conditions. CNTs are embedded into matrix phase through uniform distribution or functionally graded distribution. Material properties of constituents are assumed to be temperature dependent and effective elastic moduli of carbon nanotube–reinforced composite are estimated by the extended rule of mixture. Nonlinear governing equations of geometrically imperfect panels are based on first-order shear deformation theory accounting for elastic foundations and tangential constraint of straight edges. Analytical solutions are assumed to satisfy simply supported boundary conditions and closed-form expressions relating load and deflection are derived through Galerkin method. Numerical examples show the effects of preexisting nondestabilizing loads, distribution patterns, panel curvature, in-plane condition of unloaded edges, thermal environments, initial imperfection, and elastic foundations on the nonlinear stability of nanocomposite CPs under combined loading conditions.