Static and free vibration analysis of functionally graded CNT reinforced sandwich plates using inverse hyperbolic shear deformation theory

In the present study, the static and free vibration analysis of functionally graded carbon nano-tubes reinforced (FG-CNTR) sandwich plates are studied in the framework of inverse hyperbolic shear deformation theory. The governing differential equations are derived using Hamilton’s principle and solved with the Navier’s solution technique. The analytical approach is used to obtain the deflections, stresses, natural frequencies, and corresponding mode shapes of FG-CNTR sandwich plates with different material properties, stacking sequences, span thickness ratios, core to face sheet thickness ratios, and loading conditions. Different types of reinforcement distribution such as uniformly distribution (UD) and functionally graded (FG) distribution of FG-O, FG-X, FG-/\, and FG-V are considered for the analysis. Also, the efforts are made to achieve the best possible arrangement for the stacking sequences and the appropriate reinforcement distribution that will produce improved static and free vibration responses for the FG-CNTR sandwich plates.