Vibration analysis of the multi-walled carbon nanotube reinforced doubly curved laminated composite shallow shell panels: An experimental and numerical study:

Thermoelastic free vibration of rotating pretwisted sandwich conical shell panels with functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite face sheets using higher-order shear deformation theory:

Abstract: This article presents a numerical investigation on the free vibration characteristics of rotating pretwisted sandwich conical shell panels with two functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced co...

Numerical and experimental investigation on vibration analysis of laminated composite conical shell structures

Abstract: In this paper, a numerical and experimental investigation is performed to examine the vibration responses of laminated composite conical shell structures. The finite element model (FEM) is developed using predefined finite element software ANSYS®. The conical shell structures are fabricated through the conventional hand layup technique. Experimental investigations on free vibration mode are executed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed FEM in terms of vibration responses of the composite conical shell structures. Furthermore, parametric studies are also performed to explore the effect of changes in the boundary conditions, length of the conical shell samples and ply orientations on the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the composite conical shell structures.

Helical microtubules of graphitic carbon

Abstract: THE synthesis of molecular carbon structures in the form of C60 and other fullerenes1 has stimulated intense interest in the structures accessible to graphitic carbon sheets. Here I report the preparation of a new type of finite carbon structure consisting of needle-like tubes. Produced using an arc-discharge evaporation method similar to that used for fullerene synthesis, the needles grow at the negative end of the electrode used for the arc discharge. Electron microscopy reveals that each needle comprises coaxial tubes of graphitic sheets, ranging in number from 2 up to about 50. On each tube the carbon-atom hexagons are arranged in a helical fashion about the needle axis. The helical pitch varies from needle to needle and from tube to tube within a single needle. It appears that this helical structure may aid the growth process. The formation of these needles, ranging from a few to a few tens of nanometres in diameter, suggests that engineering of carbon structures should be possible on scales considerably greater than those relevant to the fullerenes. On 7 November 1991, Sumio Iijima announced in Nature the preparation of nanometre-size, needle-like tubes of carbon — now familiar as 'nanotubes'. Used in microelectronic circuitry and microscopy, and as a tool to test quantum mechanics and model biological systems, nanotubes seem to have unlimited potential.

Dispersion and functionalization of carbon nanotubes for polymer-based nanocomposites: a review

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) hold the promise of delivering exceptional mechanical properties and multi-functional characteristics. Ever-increasing interest in applying CNTs in many different fields has led to continued efforts to develop dispersion and functionalization techniques. To employ CNTs as effective reinforcement in polymer nanocomposites, proper dispersion and appropriate interfacial adhesion between the CNTs and polymer matrix have to be guaranteed. This paper reviews the current understanding of CNTs and CNT/polymer nanocomposites with two particular topics: (i) the principles and techniques for CNT dispersion and functionalization and (ii) the effects of CNT dispersion and functionalization on the properties of CNT/polymer nanocomposites. The fabrication techniques and potential applications of CNT/polymer nanocomposites are also highlighted.

A higher-order shear deformation theory of laminated elastic shells

Abstract: A higher-order shear deformation theory of elastic shells is developed for shells laminated of orthotropic layers. The theory is a modification of the Sanders' theory and accounts for parabolic distribution of the transverse shear strains through thickness of the shell and tangential stress-free boundary conditions on the boundary surfaces of the shell. The Navier-type exact solutions for bending and natural vibration are presented for cylindrical and spherical shells under simply supported boundary conditions.

Exact Solutions of Moderately Thick Laminated Shells

Abstract: An extension of the Sanders shell theory for doubly curved shells to a shear deformation theory of laminated shells is presented. The theory accounts for transverse shear strains and rotation about the normal to the shell midsurface. Exact solutions of the equations are presented for simply supported, doubly curved, cross‐ply laminated shells under sinusoidal, uniformly distributed, and concentrated point load at the center. Fundamental frequencies of cross‐ply laminated shells are also presented. The exact solutions presented herein for laminated composite shells should serve as bench mark solutions for future comparisons.

Dispersion, interfacial interaction and re-agglomeration of functionalized carbon nanotubes in epoxy composites

Abstract: The surface, interfacial and dispersion properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and the mechanical properties of the CNT/epoxy composites affected by CNT functionalization are investigated. It is demonstrated that there exists strong correlations between amino-functionalization, dispersion, wettability, interfacial interaction and re-agglomeration behaviour of CNTs and the corresponding mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of CNT/epoxy composites. The amino-functionalized CNTs exhibit higher surface energy and much better wettability with epoxy resin than the pristine CNTs, and the attached amine molecules arising from the functionalization effectively inhibit the re-agglomeration of CNTs during the curing of resin. These ameliorating effects along with improved interfacial adhesion between the matrix and functionalized CNTs through covalent bonds result in improved flexural and thermo-mechanical properties compared with those without functionalization.