Abstract
Carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced materials exhibit great potential applications because their properties can be tailored by changing the distribution type. Ring structure has been widely used in aerospace, architecture and other fields. This study focuses on the dynamic characterizations of O- and X-CNT reinforced rings under two oscillation conditions. Different distribution types of CNTs, namely, X-distribution type (X), uniform distribution type (UD), and O-distribution type (O), are considered. The influence of embedded CNTs on the mechanical properties of the polypropylene ring is analyzed. To reflect the dynamic characteristics, both the membrane force induced component and bending moment induced component, i.e., transverse and circumferential actions, are studied respectively. The results suggest: (a) the CNTs can improve the mechanical properties of the ring; (b) for the transverse oscillation, the bending behavior of the X-distribution type is larger than that of the membrane behavior, resulting in the largest component induced by the bending moment; and (c) the O-distribution type has a great influence on the membrane behavior, and this component should be the largest in the circumferential oscillation where the membrane force induced component dominates. However, because the volume fraction of CNTs in the three distribution types does not change, the deformation of CNT reinforced ring is uniform.
