Large deflection analysis of FG-CNT reinforced composite skew plates resting on Pasternak foundations using an element-free approach

The first known geometrically nonlinear large deformation analysis of functionally graded carbon nanotube (FG-CNT) reinforced composite skew plates resting on Pasternak foundations is presented. The skew plate studied is of moderate thickness and, hence, the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and von Karman assumption are adopted to take care of the transverse shear strains, rotary inertia and moderate rotations. The element-free IMLS-Ritz method is employed in the present analysis. Parametric studies are conducted to examine the effects of CNT content by volume, elastic foundation, skew angle, plate width-to-thickness ratio, plate aspect ratio and boundary conditions on the nonlinear responses of the FG-CNT reinforced composite skew plates. The results of the present study are obtained for simplified cases so that comparison studies can be made with the values reported in the literature. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.