Thermally Induced Bistable Functionally Graded Nanocomposite Plate

This paper explores the feasibility of using functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) in designing bistable plates. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in this nanocomposite are assumed to have a functionally graded distribution across the thickness direction following a power law. By varying the distribution type, volume fraction, and volume fraction exponent of SWCNTs, laminates with multiple thermal properties can be generated. A higher-order Rayleigh–Ritz model is presented to investigate the bistability and buckling behaviours of the proposed bistable plates. Their out-of-plane displacements and snap-through forces are predicted using this model. In the buckling analysis, transverse concentrated forces are applied to the panel corners to induce snap-through. To trace the load-displacement path during the loading process, the arc-length method is used to solve derived nonlinear equilibrium equations. The analytical results are compared using nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis for validation. A comprehensive parametric study is conducted to analyse the effects of curing temperature, distribution type, volume fractions, and volume fraction exponents of SWCNTs on the bistable behaviours of FG-CNTRC plates. It is found that, by varying these factors, bistable FG-CNTRC plates with multiple stable shapes and a wide range of snap-through forces can be generated. FG- CNTRC thus offers a rich design space for producing bistable plates.