Effect of Adding Carbon Nanotubes into the Matrix Material on the Aero-Thermo-Elastic Stability Region of Fibrous Laminates

In this research, aero-thermo-elastic stability of fibrous laminated plates subjected to supersonic airflow has been investigated. The experimental method was used to determine the effect of carbon nanotubes on the thermo-elastic properties of the composite matrix material. Young’s modulus and linear coefficient of thermal expansion of neat epoxy and carbon nanotube reinforced epoxy was determined using the tensile test and dilatometry method. The modified Halpin-Tsi micromechanical model was used to characterize the mechanical properties of the carbon nanotubes-fiber-epoxy laminated composites. A rectangular simply supported plate subjected to supersonic airflow was assumed. The governing equation of motion was extracted using the energy method and Hamilton’s principle. Linear piston theory was used to evaluate the aerodynamic pressure. Galerkin's method was employed to solve the governing equation. The influence of adding carbon nanotubes in epoxy resin was illustrated when glass or carbon fibers were used as microscale reinforcements. Moreover, the effect of plate aspect ratio and temperature on the aeroelastic stability boundary was investigated. Results show that for the plates with high aspect ratio, adding carbon nanotubes into the epoxy resin has more effect on the aeroelastic stability boundary especially when the glass fibers are used. According to the results, in high temperatures, carbon nanotubes have less effect on the expanding of the stability region.