Nonlinear Low-Velocity Impact Response of CFRP Enhanced with CNT in Hygrothermal Environments

In this study, Nonlinear low-velocity impact response of carbon fiber reinforced polymer(CFRP) composite plates enhanced with carbon nanotubes resting on elastic foundations in thermal environments is investigated. The effective material properties of the multi phase nanocomposite are calculated using Halpin–Tsai equations and fiber micromechanics in hierarchy. The carbon nanotubes are assumed to be uniformly distributed and randomly oriented through the epoxy resin matrix. Contact force between the impactor and the plate is obtained with the aid of the modified nonlinear Hertzian contact law models. The governing equations are derived based on principle of virtual work and solved by the finite element method with Newmark’s numerical integration method. Numerical results reveal that a small amount of CNT (1–2 percent) can increases the peak contact and decreases the peak indentation. Also the contact time duration and central deflection have decreased with increasing the CNT percentage.