Nonlinear bending analysis of FG-CNTRC annular plates with variable thickness on elastic foundation

As a first endeavor, the nonlinear bending behavior of functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) annular plates with variable thickness on an elastic foundation is scrutinized in this research. The nonlinear governing equations are established according to the third-order shear deformation theory (TSDT) in conjunction with the nonlinear von Karman strain field. A Pasternak elastic foundation is assumed to be in contact with the annular plate during deformation. To discretize the nonlinear governing equations and boundary conditions, the generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM) is adopted and the nonlinear system of equations is solved via the Newton-Raphson iterative method. Through the numerical results, effects of the elastic foundation, geometrical parameters, boundary conditions, CNT dispersion and volume fraction, thickness-to-radius ratio and thickness profile are investigated in detail. It is shown that CNT volume fraction and dispersion have a remarkable effect on improving bending behavior of the annular plate. It is found that thickness profile plays an essential role in the bending response of the annular plate.