Open Access
REVIEW
Plates, Beams and Shells Reinforced by CNTs or GPLs: A Review on Their Structural Behavior and Computational Methods
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, 16511-53311, Iran
2 Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, K.N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, 19991-43344, Iran
3 Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Eyvanekey, Semnan, 99888-35918, Iran
* Corresponding Author: Kamran Asemi. Email:
Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences 2025, 142(2), 1351-1458. https://doi.org/10.32604/cmes.2025.060222
Received 27 October 2024; Accepted 08 January 2025; Issue published 27 January 2025
Abstract
Since the initial observation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene platelets (GPLs) in the 1990 and 2000s, the demand for high-performance structural applications and multifunctional materials has driven significant interest in composite structures reinforced with GPLs and CNTs. Incorporating these nanofillers into matrix materials markedly enhances the mechanical properties of the structures. To further improve efficiency and functionality, functionally graded (FG) distributions of CNTs and GPLs have been proposed. This study presents an extensive review of computational approaches developed to predict the global behavior of composite structural components enhanced with CNT and GPL nanofillers. The analysis focuses on key structural elements, such as plate-type configurations, cylindrical and curved shells, and beams, emphasizing the computational techniques utilized to simulate their mechanical behavior. The utilization of three-dimensional elasticity theories and equivalent single-layer (ESL) frameworks, which are widely employed in the modeling and analysis of these composites, is comprehensively discussed. Additionally, the paper examines various mechanical performance aspects, including static, buckling, post-buckling, vibrational, and dynamic responses for the mentioned structures. The unique features of hybrid nanocomposites, combining CNTs and GPLs, are also analyzed. Furthermore, the study delves into the fabrication and processing techniques of these materials, with a particular focus on strategies to mitigate nanofiller agglomeration. The review extends to cover thermal and electrical properties, durability under environmental exposure, fatigue resistance, and vibration-damping characteristics. In conclusion, the paper underscores the necessity for ongoing advancements in computational modeling to facilitate improved design, analysis, and optimization of nanocomposite structures. Future research opportunities in this rapidly advancing domain are also outlined.Keywords
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