Low-velocity impact analysis of carbon nanotube reinforced composite laminates.

To study the impact response of the functionally graded carbon nanotubes reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) laminates, four types of stacking arrangements were discussed in this paper. The general Kármán type equations, rule of mixture and Hertz contact law were used to formulate the laminate, material and contact behavior, respectively. The effects of different gradient forms, temperature, initial velocity and volume fraction of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the impact behavior of the laminates were investigated. The results suggest that the titanium alloy layer has improved the stiffness and strength of the laminates and weakened the influence of the FG-CNTRC. A higher temperature results in a larger center displacement due to the existence of the temperature-dependent materials. In addition, a faster velocity leads to a larger deformation rate of the laminate in the initial stage and also a larger center displacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]