An element-free based IMLS-Ritz method for buckling analysis of nanocomposite plates of polygonal planform

The buckling behavior of nanocomposite plates of polygonal planform under in-plane loads is examined. The plate under consideration is reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The governing eigenvalue equation to this problem is derived based on the first-order shear deformation plate theory (FSDT) with a set of element-free shape functions in approximating the two-dimensional displacement fields. To solve this eigenvalue equation, the element-free IMLS-Ritz method is employed to furnish the buckling solution. The convergence of the solution for the CNT-reinforced composite plates is examined. Comparison study is further carried out to validate the accuracy of the solution. A parametric study is performed by varying the CNT volume fraction, CNT distribution, plate thickness-to-apothem ratio and boundary conditions. This first known buckling solution may serve as benchmarks for future research.