Nonlinear dynamics of matrix-cracked hybrid laminated plates containing carbon nanotube-reinforced composite layers resting on elastic foundations

This paper investigates the nonlinear dynamic response of hybrid laminated plates resting on elastic foundations in thermal environments. The plate consists of conventional fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) layers and carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (CNTRC) layers. Each layer may have matrix cracks, and the damage is described by a refined self-consistent model. The motion equations are based on a higher-order shear deformation theory with a von Kármán type of kinematic nonlinearity. The thermal effects are included, and the material properties of both FRC and CNTRC are assumed to be temperature dependent. The plate–foundation interaction is also included. The motion equations are solved by a two-step perturbation technique to determine the dynamic response of matrix-cracked hybrid laminated plates. The boundary condition is assumed to be simply supported with in-plane displacements “movable” or “immovable.” The effects of stiffness reduction due to matrix cracks, the foundation stiffness, the temperature change, the percentage and distribution of carbon nanotubes in CNTRC layers are discussed in detail through a parametric study.