The Linear and Nonlinear Bending Analyses of Functionally Graded Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Composite Plates Based on the Novel Four-Node Quadrilateral Element

This paper presents the linear and nonlinear analyses of functionally graded carbon nanotube- reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) plates using a four-node quadrilateral element based on the C0-type of Shi’s third-order shear deformation theory (C0-STSDT). Shi’s theory is taking the advantages and desirable properties of the third-order shear deformation theory. Besides, material properties of FG-CNTRC plates are changed from the bottom to top surface and based on the rule of mixture. Numerical results and comparison with other reference solutions suggest that the advantages of present element are accuracy and efficiency in analysis of FG-CNTRC plates. Some nonlinear numerical results of FG-CNTRC plates are also given in this paper and this contributes to providing additional data for future research work.