Buckling analysis of nano-composite laminate using finite element analysis.
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Date
2019
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Abstract
In this dissertation, the buckling problem of a nanocomposite laminate is investigated. The laminate consists of uni-directional nanocomposite plies fabricated with a graphene filled polymer matrix reinforced with carbon or glass fibres. The nanocomposite laminate is subjected to uniaxial and biaxial loading. The effective mechanical properties of the nanocomposite plies are determined using micromechanical equations. The structural analysis of the nanocomposite laminate is completed using a commercial finite element analysis software (ANSYS). Due to the geometry of the nanocomposite laminate, the classical laminate plate theory applies. Thus, it is assumed that there are no flaws between the plies and there is no shear deformation experienced by the nanocomposite laminate. The results show that the increase in the number of layers, weight fraction of graphene nanoplatelets (WGPL) and aspect ratio results in the increase of critical buckling stress. The critical stress of a laminate can be increased or reduced when the fibre volume content (VF) is increased, depending on the WGPL of the laminate. For a uniaxially loaded laminate with all layers having an equal fibre orientation, the critical stress is maximum when the fibre orientation of the layers are parallel to the load applied and becomes minimum when the fibre orientation of layers is perpendicular to the applied load. When the boundary conditions are CFFF the buckling stress is minimum and when the boundary conditions are CCCC the buckling stress of is maximum.
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Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.