Analysis of FG-CNT reinforced composite conical panel subjected to moving load using Ritz method

Forced vibration response of a conical panel subjected to the action of a moving load is investigated in the current research. Panel is made from a carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced composite where the CNTs as reinforcements are distributed either uniformly or functionally graded across the panel thickness. Panel is formulated using the first order shear deformation shell theory and the Donnell kinematic assumptions. It is subjected to a moving load whose path and velocity are both arbitrary. The properties of the composite media are estimated according to a refined rule of mixtures approach. The governing equations of motion of the shell are obtained according to the Ritz method where the shape functions are obtained according to the Gram-Schmidt process. The developed equations with the aid of Ritz method are transformed into time-dependent ordinary differential equations whose solution is traced in time by means of the Newmark time marching scheme. Numerical results are provided to explore the influences of semi-vertex and opening angles of the cone, geometrical parameters and also CNT characteristics of the shell. It is shown that, dynamic deflection of the shell decreases significantly with the introduction of FG-X pattern of CNTs. Furthermore, enrichment of the matrix with more CNTs alleviates the dynamic deflection of the conical shell.