NURBS-based analyses of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite shells

We in this paper present an effective computational approach for static and free vibration analyses of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) shells. The governing equations are approximated based on the first-order shear deformation shell theory (FSDT) and non-uniform rational B-Spline (NURBS) basis functions. The advantage of NURBS in modeling exact geometries of shell structures is exploited. Material properties of FG-CNTRC shells are assumed to be graded through the thickness and estimated according to an equivalent continuum model based on the rule of mixture. The high accuracy and reliability of the present formulation is verified through several numerical examples in comparison with various reference solutions. In addition, some numerical results of FG-CNTRC panels and cylinders are provided. This may be useful for future references.