On wave propagation of functionally graded CNT strengthened fluid-conveying pipe in thermal environment

In this paper, the wave propagation of functionally graded single-walled carbon nanotubes strengthened fluid-conveying pipe considering the thermal and fluid effects is investigated. Five reinforcement patterns are realized by changing CNT distribution along thickness. The rule of mixture is used to estimate the nanocomposite materials properties. And the motion equations were derived by Hamilton's variational principle and a higher-order beam theory. By solving a system of differential equations, the influences of the patterns of reinforcement, flow velocity, temperature, geometrical parameters and CNT volume fraction are discussed in detail. We find that increasing the volume fraction can significantly increase the propagation velocity of waves, and the flow velocity has very little effect on wave propagation in pipe.