Mechanics of CNT Reinforced Macrostructures

Formed by rolling a graphene sheet into a cylinder with end caps, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibit outstanding material properties, including high strength, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity. These attributes position them as exceptional candidates for reinforcing macrostructures like beams and plates. Application of CNT reinforced macrostructures is extensive, spanning industries such as mechanical, automotive, and medical, given the significant benefits they bring to material strength and performance. Given the acknowledged potential of CNT reinforced structures, the predominant focus of studies in this domain revolves around the fabrications process, experimental investigations on the material properties, static and dynamics of a single beam or plate, of such structures. Important real-world effects like viscoelasticity and porosity are often not considered in the models proposed in the literature. This understanding is crucial for gaining insights into the structure response and, consequently, for the development of optimised designs for CNT reinforced structures. This thesis aims to investigate and analyse the mechanics of CNT reinforced beams and plates via developments to mathematical models of the macrostructures. To help better model CNT reinforced macrostructures, the coupled motions, double beams, plates and arches, effects of porosity, reinforcing with bidirectional CNTs and viscoelasticity are taken into account in this thesis. The structure of most chapters in this thesis is built upon previously published or submitted papers in reputable journals, with some currently undergoing the review process. The summary of each chapter is as follows: Chapter 1: An overview of the overall thesis is given, and the publications that form part of the thesis and relevant publications are detailed. Chapter 2: A comprehensive literature review on CNT reinforced structures, emphasising fabrication, experimental, and theoretical analysis of the static and dynamic aspects of CNT-reinforced beams and plates, is outlined. Chapter 3: The interconnected dynamics of a double beam system linked by an elastic layer, featuring bidirectional functional CNT reinforcements, are explored. Chapter 4: An analysis of the vibrational response of double beams, reinforced with porous viscoelastic functionally graded CNTs and connected through a viscoelastic layer is detailed. Influences of the different functionally graded patterns and boundary conditions are studied thoroughly. Chapter 5: The dynamic behaviour of double plates reinforced with functionally graded CNTs is investigated. The plates feature simply supported boundary conditions and are connected through an elastic layer. Effects of the plate aspect ratios and thicknesses, the CNT functionally graded patterns and the elastic layer stiffness have been studied. Chapter 6: The dynamic characteristics of double-arch systems reinforced with three distinct functionally graded patterns of CNTs are presented. These systems also incorporate an elastic layer. The opening angle and curvature effects are investigated in details. Chapter 7: Findings are summarised and potential avenues for future research are suggested. This thesis delves into the mechanics of CNT reinforced macrostructures across various established applications. Supported by computer simulations and existing studies that validate the theoretical models, the thesis achieves a comprehensive comprehension of the dynamic behaviours of these structures. This marks a crucial milestone in gaining insights into their performance and optimising their utilisation.

Author dc:creator

• Ong, Oscar Zi Shao

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Ghayesh, Mergen
• Losic, Dusan

• Carbon nanotubes reinforced
• Composite
• Dynamics
• Functionally graded

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2440/141628

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digital.library.adelaide.edu.au:2440/141628