Analytical modeling of low velocity impact on carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (CNTRC) plates

In this paper, a new analytical model for behavior of carbon nanotubes reinforced composite plates under low velocity impact has been presented. Nanotubes aligned, straight and randomly oriented are distributed on rectangular simply supported composite plate. The Mori-Tanaka model is used to obtain effective mechanical properties of composites reinforced with nanotubes consisting of aligned, straight and randomly oriented carbon nanotubes embedded in a polymer matrix. The analytical model based on the first-order shear deformation theory and spring-mass model. The results of analytical model are compared with the results of low velocity impact on fiber-reinforced polymer composites. The results show that the deflection and energy absorption of plate in a randomly oriented distribution is more than aligned straight of carbon nanotubes in the composite layers.