Free vibration and buckling analysis of elastically restrained FG-CNTRC sandwich annular nanoplates

An accurate plate theory for assessing sandwich structures is of interest in order to provide precise results. Hence, this paper develops Layer-Wise (LW) theory for reaching precise results in terms of buckling and vibration behavior of Functionally Graded Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Composite (FG-CNTRC) annular nanoplates. Furthermore, for simulating the structure much more realistic, its edges are elastically restrained against in-plane and transverse displacement. The nano structure is integrated with piezoelectric layers. Four distributions of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs) along the thickness direction of the core layer are investigated. The Differential Quadrature Method (DQM) is utilized to solve the motion equations of nano structure subjected to the electric field. The influence of various parameters is depicted on both critical buckling load and frequency of the structure. The accuracy of solution procedure is demonstrated by comparing results with classical edge conditions. The results ascertain that the effects of different distributions of CNTs and their volume fraction are significant on the behavior of the system. Furthermore, the amount of in-plane and transverse spring coefficients plays an important role in the buckling and vibration behavior of the nano-structure and optimization of nano-structure design.