Nonlinear Static Examinations of Fuzzy Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Rectangular Plates Containing Radially Grown Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

This study numerically examines the nonlinear stability characteristics of fuzzy fiber-reinforced composite (FFRC) rectangular plates. A notable feature of these inhomogeneous materials is the uniform alignment and radial growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) of identical lengths on the circumferential surface of carbon fibers. To predict the mechanical properties of FFRCs, a micromechanical modeling approach utilizing a unit cell model is developed. This model incorporates essential microstructural factors, such as the volume fractions of carbon fiber and CNT, the thickness, and the stiffness of the interphase region between the nanotube and the polymer matrix. The mechanical properties obtained from the micromechanical model are then applied to investigate the nonlinear bending and postbuckling behavior of FFRC rectangular plates under various boundary conditions. The variational differential quadrature (VDQ) method is used to derive the weak form of the discretized nonlinear governing equations based on Reddy's third-order shear deformation plate theory (TOSDPT). Additionally, the pseudo-arc-length continuation scheme is employed to trace the bending and postbuckling paths. Comprehensive parametric studies are performed to assess the impact of critical parameters, including CNT volume fraction, carbon fiber content, and interfacial region properties, on the nonlinear bending and postbuckling responses of FFRC rectangular plates. © 2025 Society of Plastics Engineers.