Low-velocity impact response of sandwich cylindrical panels with nanotube-reinforced and metal face sheet in thermal environment

Employing an analytical method, non-linear low-velocity impact response of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced sandwich cylindrical panels in thermal environments is analysed. Two types of core (i.e. homogenous and functionally graded) are considered for sandwich panels. The face sheets of sandwich panels are multi-layer which consist of CNT-reinforced composite (CNTRC) and metal layers. Micromechanical models are used to estimate the material properties of CNTRCs. A higher-order shear deformation theory with a von Karman-type of kinematic non-linearity provides the equations of motion. Temperature-dependent material properties are used to include the thermal effects. The equations of motion are solved using a two-step perturbation technique. Existing numerical results in the literature are used to validate the present method. The effect of nanotube volume fraction, material property gradient, impactor initial velocity, geometrical parameters of cylindrical panel, temperature change and edge boundary condition on the impact response of cylindrical panel structures is discussed. The quantitative results and analytical formulations can be helpful in better designing of CNTRC structures subjected to low-velocity impact in thermal environments.