Theoretical deflection analysis of multi-walled carbon nanotube reinforced sandwich panel and experimental verification

In this article, the influence of the multi-walled carbon nanotube reinforcement on the stiffness of sandwich curved panel is examined theoretically via deflection analysis and compared with own experimental data for the verification of accuracy. The nanotube-reinforced sandwich structural panel model is derived theoretically using the higher-order polynomial functions and displacement finite element steps adopted for the numerical solution purpose. The structural stiffness values are measured from the deflection resistance of the theoretical structural model by computing the structural equilibrium equation with the help of an own customized MATLAB code. Firstly, the numerical solution accuracy and the corresponding reliability of the present solutions are crosschecked through the element sensitivity including the comparison test. Further, the multi-walled carbon nanotube reinforced sandwich plate is fabricated for the required experimentation including the mechanical as well as the material characterization. Finally, the validity of theoretically predicted deflection data of sandwich structure demonstrated by comparing with the own experimental results. In addition, the effect of various design parameters on the stiffness behavior of the own fabricated sandwich construction is computed using the proposed theoretical model and discussed in detail.