Static bending analysis of functionally graded polymer composite curved beams reinforced with carbon nanotubes

Abstract

This article deals with the static bending response of a functionally graded polymer composite (FG-PC) curved beam reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) subjected to sinusoidal and uniform loads. The effective material properties of beam are approximated according to modified rule of mixture. Four types of CNT distribution are also considered. Assuming Timoshenko beam theory and a higher-order strain gradient theory, size-dependent equilibrium equations are extracted. Using Navier solution procedure, nonlocal strain gradient governing equations are solved for simply-supported edges. Ultimately, numerical results are expanded to show the influence of weight fraction and distribution patterns of CNTs, small scale parameters, and opening angle on the static bending response of CNTs reinforced nanocomposite curved beam.