Analytical solution for static and free vibration analysis of functionally graded CNT-reinforced sandwich plates

In this work, application of trigonometric shear deformation theory (TSDT) with the Navier’s solution technique is explored to determine the static, free vibration and corresponding mode shape of carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-reinforced sandwich plates for different stacking sequences with different material properties. In the TSDT, the distribution of the displacement is nonlinear along the thickness of the plate. Detailed investigation is carried out after validating the obtained results with the results presented in the existing literature. The deflections, stresses, natural frequency and corresponding mode shape of functionally graded (FG) CNTs-reinforced sandwich plates with different span thickness ratios, core to face sheet thickness ratios, volume fractions and distribution of CNTs are presented and studied in detail.