Large deflection analysis of FG-CNT reinforced composite skew plates resting on Pasternak foundations using an element-free approach

The first known geometrically nonlinear large deformation analysis of functionally graded carbon nanotube (FG-CNT) reinforced composite skew plates resting on Pasternak foundations is presented. The skew plate studied is of moderate thickness and, hence, the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and von Kármán assumption are adopted to take care of the transverse shear strains, rotary inertia and moderate rotations. The element-free IMLS-Ritz method is employed in the present analysis. Parametric studies are conducted to examine the effects of CNT content by volume, elastic foundation, skew angle, plate width-to-thickness ratio, plate aspect ratio and boundary conditions on the nonlinear responses of the FG-CNT reinforced composite skew plates. The results of the present study are obtained for simplified cases so that comparison studies can be made with the values reported in the literature.