Wave propagation analysis of carbon nanotubes reinforced composite plates

In this study, analysis of wave propagation characteristics for functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) nanoplates is performed using first -order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and nonlocal strain gradient theory. Uniform distribution (UD) and three types of functionally graded distributions of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are assumed. The effective mechanical properties of the FG-CNTRC nanoplate are assumed to vary continuously in the thickness direction and are approximated based on the rule of mixture. Also, the governing equations of motion are derived via the extended Hamilton's principle. In numerical examples, the effects of nonlocal parameter, wavenumber, angle of wave propagation, volume fractions, and carbon nanotube distributions on the wave propagation characteristics of the FG-CNTRC nanoplate are studied. As represented in the results, it is clear that the internal length -scale parameter has a remarkable effect on the wave propagation characteristics resulting in significant changes in phase velocity and natural frequency. Furthermore, it is observed that the strain gradient theory yields a higher phase velocity and frequency compared to those obtained by the nonlocal strain gradient theory and classic theory.