Bending analysis of functionally graded boron nitride nanotube-reinforced composite beams under thermal loading

The superb properties of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) make them suitable fillers for reinforcing composites. The most remarkable properties of these nanotubes in reinforcing polymer matrices are developing the mechanical and thermal properties of the matrix while saving the natural dielectric properties of the polymer. In this paper thermal bending of a nanocomposite polymer matrix beam reinforced by BNNTs, has been investigated. The nanotubes are assumed to be straight and perfect with randomly oriented. The nanotubes distribution through the beam thickness is considered as one uniform and three different functionally graded distributions. A micromechanical model is used to describe the properties of nanocomposite beam and the governing equations are derived through the Hamilton’s principle based on Timoshenko beam theory. The equations are solved by the generalized differential quadrature method and stress and displacement are obtained. The effect of different parameters such as nanotube volume fraction, the nanotubes distribution through the beam thickness, boundary conditions and the beam slenderness ratio on the stress and displacement has been investigated and the results shows that any changes in the above-mentioned parameters has a significant effect on the stress and displacement.

Keywords:

boron nanotube , composite , beam , thermal loading , graded beam.