Dynamic modelling and analysis of smart carbon nanotube-based hybrid composite beams: Analytical and finite element study

Abstract

In this work, the carbon nanotube-based hybrid carbon fibre-reinforced composite smart beam constraining the layer of an active constrained layer damping treatment is investigated using an in-house finite element model based on first-order shear deformation theory. The effect of in-plane and transverse-plane actuation of the integrated active constrained layer damping treatment layer on the damping characteristics of the novel smart cantilever hybrid carbon fibre-reinforced composite beam is considered. The parameters affecting the damping characteristics of the hybrid carbon fibre-reinforced composite substrate beam such as the volume fraction of both carbon nanotubes and carbon fibre, and the aspect ratio are also studied. Besides, the micromechanical model based on the mechanics of materials approach is developed to estimate the effective elastic coefficient of novel hybrid carbon fibre-reinforced composite lamina. The effective properties of hybrid carbon fibre-reinforced composite are predicted quantitatively by considering non-bonded interaction formed between carbon nanotubes and the polymer matrix. It is revealed that due to the incorporation of carbon nanotubes into the epoxy matrix, the effective longitudinal, transverse and shear properties of the hybrid carbon fibre-reinforced composite lamina are significantly enhanced. Our outcomes explore that the damping performance of the laminated hybrid carbon fibre-reinforced composite smart beam considering the incorporation of carbon nanotubes shows substantial improvement as compared to the base composite. To bring more clarity, the quantitative relative performance of hybrid carbon fibre-reinforced composite and base composite is presented. Our fundamental analysis sheds the light on the opportunities of developing efficient, high-performance and lightweight carbon nanotubes-based micro-electro-mechanical systems smart structures such as sensors, actuators and distributors. © IMechE 2021.