Compressive instability of open section nanocomposite struts using a layerwise theory

Abstract The application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to improve postbuckling characteristics of T-section nanocomposite strut is the subject of this research. A solution procedure according to the layerwise theory along with the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) by taking into account the von Karman geometrical nonlinearity is proposed. Nonlinear governing equations are developed in regard to the minimum total potential energy principle, and solved by the aid of the Rayleigh–Ritz method in conjunction with Newton–Raphson method. A comprehensive parametric study is conducted to provide an insight into effects of CNT volume fraction and dispersion, geometrical parameters and boundary conditions on the bifurcation points and paths, in-plane displacement, normal stress and strain, and bending moment of T-section nanocomposite struts. A three dimensional finite element analysis using the ABAQUS commercial software is carried out to verify the obtained results, which shows close agreement. Results indicate that dispersion of CNTs plays a dominant role in bifurcation behavior of nanocomposite struts. The results also show that volume fraction of CNTs has a significant effect on the load-carrying capacity of open section nanocomposite struts. The results of this research shed light into using ultra-high-strength and light-weight open section nanocomposite struts for civil and aerospace applications.