• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.525-536
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• 2018

This paper focuses on the application of the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) to thermo-elastic static problems of functionally graded carbon nanotubes reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) cylindrical pressure vessels. A symmetric displacement field is considered as unknown function along the longitudinal direction, whereas a linear distribution is assumed along the thickness direction. The cylindrical pressure vessels are subjected to an inner and outer pressure under a temperature increase. Different patterns of reinforcement are applied as distribution of CNTs. The effective material properties of FG-CNTRC cylindrical pressure vessels are measured based on the rule of mixture, whereas the governing equations of the problem are here derived through the principle of virtual works. A large parametric investigation studies the effect of some significant parameters, such as the pattern and volume fraction of CNTs, on the longitudinal distribution of deformation, strain and stress components, as useful tool for practical engineering applications.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.499-512
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• 2017

This paper deals with nonlinear dynamic stability of embedded piezoelectric nano-composite separators conveying pulsating fluid. For presenting a realistic model, the material properties of structure are assumed viscoelastic based on Kelvin-Voigt model. The separator is reinforced with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) which the equivalent material properties are obtained by mixture rule. The separator is surrounded by elastic medium modeled by nonlinear orthotropic visco Pasternak foundation. The separator is subjected to 3D electric and 2D magnetic fields. For mathematical modeling of structure, three theories of classical shell theory (CST), first order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and sinusoidal shear deformation theory (SSDT) are applied. The differential quadrature method (DQM) in conjunction with Bolotin method is employed for calculating the dynamic instability region (DIR). The detailed parametric study is conducted, focusing on the combined effects of the external voltage, magnetic field, visco-Pasternak foundation, structural damping and volume percent of SWCNTs on the dynamic instability of structure. The numerical results are validated with other published works as well as comparing results obtained by three theories. Numerical results indicate that the magnetic and electric fields as well as SWCNTs as reinforcer are very important in dynamic instability analysis of structure.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.691-714
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• 2017

Rotating fluid induced vibration and instability of embedded piezoelectric nano-composite separators subjected to magnetic and electric fields is the main contribution of present work. The separator is modeled with cylindrical shell element and the structural damping effects are considered by Kelvin-Voigt model. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are used as reinforcement and effective material properties are obtained by mixture rule. The perturbation velocity potential in conjunction with the linearized Bernoulli formula is used for describing the rotating fluid motion. The orthotropic surrounding elastic medium is considered by spring, damper and shear constants. The governing equations are derived on the bases of classical shell theory (CST), first order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and sinusoidal shear deformation theory (SSDT). The nonlinear frequency and critical angular fluid velocity are calculated by differential quadrature method (DQM). The detailed parametric study is conducted, focusing on the combined effects of the external voltage, magnetic field, visco-Pasternak foundation, structural damping and volume percent of SWCNTs on the stability of structure. The numerical results are validated with other published works as well as comparing results obtained by three theories. Numerical results indicate that with increasing volume fraction of SWCNTs, the frequency and critical angular fluid velocity are increased.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.513-543
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• 2016

Third order shear deformation theory is used to evaluate electro-elastic solution of a sandwich plate with considering functionally graded (FG) core and composite face sheets made of piezoelectric layers. The plate is resting on the Pasternak foundation and subjected to normal pressure. Short circuited condition is applied on the top and bottom of piezoelectric layers. The governing differential equations of the system can be derived using Hamilton's principle and Maxwell's equation. The Navier's type solution for a sandwich rectangular thick plate with all edges simply supported is used. The numerical results are presented in terms of varying the parameters of the problem such as two elastic foundation parameters, thickness ratio ($h_p/2h$), and power law index on the dimensionless deflection, critical buckling load, electric potential function, and the natural frequency of sandwich rectangular thick plate. The results show that the dimensionless natural frequency and critical buckling load diminish with an increase in the power law index, and vice versa for dimensionless deflection and electrical potential function, because of the sandwich thick plate with considering FG core becomes more flexible; while these results are reverse for thickness ratio.

• Advances in Energy Research
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.85-100
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• 2020

Distributed energy resources (DERs) are essential for coping with growing multiple energy demands. A microgrid (MG) is a small-scale version of the power system which makes possible the integration of DERs as well as achieving maximum demand-side management utilization. Hence, this study focuses on the analysis of optimal power dispatch considering economic aspects in a multi-carrier microgrid (MCMG) with price-responsive loads. This paper proposes a novel time-based demand-side management in order to reshape the load curve, as well as preventing the excessive use of energy in peak hours. In conventional studies, energy consumption is optimized from the perspective of each infrastructure user without considering the interactions. Here, the interaction of energy system infrastructures is considered in the presence of energy storage systems (ESSs), small-scale energy resources (SSERs), and responsive loads. Simulations are performed using GAMS (General Algebraic modeling system) to model MCMG, which are connected to the electricity, natural gas, and district heat networks for supplying multiple energy demands. Results show that the simultaneous operation of various energy carriers, as well as utilization of price-responsive loads, lead to better MCMG performance and decrease operating costs for smart distribution grids. This model is examined on a typical MCMG, and the effectiveness of the proposed model is proven.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.463-472
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• 2019

Initial thermo-elastic and steady state creep deformation of a rotating functionally graded simple blade is studied using first-order shear deformation theory. A variable thickness model for cantilever beam has been considered. The blade geometry and loading are defined as functions of length so that one can define his own blade profile and loading using any arbitrary function. The blade is subjected to a transverse distributed load, an inertia body force due to rotation and a distributed temperature field due to a thermal gradient between the tip and the root. All mechanical and thermal properties except Poisson's ratio are assumed to be longitudinally variable based on the volume fraction of reinforcement. The creep behaviour is modelled by Norton's law. Considering creep strains in stress strain relation, Prandtl-Reuss relations, Norton' law and effective stress relation differential equation in term of effective creep strain is established. This differential equation is solved numerically. By effective creep strain, steady state stresses and deflections are obtained. It is concluded that reinforcement particle size and form of distribution of reinforcement has significant effect on the steady state creep behavior of the blade.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.105-126
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• 2016

In the present study, modelling and vibration control of axially moving laminated Carbon nanotubes/fiber/polymer composite (CNTFPC) plate under initial tension are investigated. Orthotropic visco-Pasternak foundation is developed to consider the influences of orthotropy angle, damping coefficient, normal and shear modulus. The governing equations of the laminated CNTFPC plates are derived based on new form of first-order shear deformation plate theory (FSDT) which is simpler than the conventional one due to reducing the number of unknowns and governing equations, and significantly, it does not require a shear correction factor. Halpin-Tsai model is utilized to evaluate the material properties of two-phase composite consist of uniformly distributed and randomly oriented CNTs through the epoxy resin matrix. Afterwards, the structural properties of CNT reinforced polymer matrix which is assumed as a new matrix and then reinforced with E-Glass fiber are calculated by fiber micromechanics approach. Employing Hamilton's principle, the equations of motion are obtained and solved by Hybrid analytical numerical method. Results indicate that the critical speed of moving laminated CNTFPC plate can be improved by adding appropriate values of CNTs. These findings can be used in design and manufacturing of marine vessels and aircrafts.

• Journal of Magnetics
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.321-325
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• 2013

The problem of mixed convection in a differentially heated lid-driven square cavity filled with Cu-water nanofluid under effect of a magnetic field is investigated numerically. The left and right walls of the cavity are kept at temperatures of $T_h$ and $T_c$ respectively while the horizontal walls are adiabatic. The top wall of the cavity moves in own plane from left to right. The effects of some pertinent parameters such as Richardson number (ranging from 0.1 to 10), the volume fraction of the nanoparticles (ranging 0 to 0.1) and the Hartmann number (ranging from 0 to 60) on the fluid flow and temperature fields and the rate of heat transfer in the cavity are investigated. It must be noted that in all calculations the Prandtl number of water as the pure fluid is kept at 6.8, while the Grashof number is considered fixed at 104. The obtained results show that the rate of heat transfer increases with an increase of the Reynolds number, while but it decreases with increase in the Hartmann number. Moreover it is found that based the Richardson and Hartmann numbers by increase in volume fraction of the nanoparticles the rate of heat transfer can be enhanced or deteriorated compared to the based fluid.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.567-576
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• 2019

Time-dependent creep analysis of a rotating functionally graded cantilever beam with trapezoidal longitudinal cross section subjected to thermal and inertia loading is investigated using first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). The model described in this paper is a simple simulation of a turbine blade working under creep condition. The material is a metal based composite reinforced by a ceramic where the creep properties of which has been described by the Sherby's constitutive model. All mechanical and thermal properties except Poisson's ratio are assumed to be variable longitudinally based on the volume fraction of constituent. The principle of virtual work as well as first order shear deformation theory is used to derive governing equations. Longitudinal distribution of displacements and stresses are investigated for various volume fractions of reinforcement. Method of successive elastic solution is employed to obtain history of stresses and creep deformations. It is found that stresses and displacements approach their steady state values after 40000 hours. The results presented in this paper can be used for selection of appropriate longitudinal distribution of reinforcement to achieve the desired stresses and displacements.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.671-686
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• 2019

Active control of solar panels with honeycomb core and carbon nanotube reinforced composite (CNTRC) facesheets for smart structures using piezoelectric patch sensor and actuator to reduce the amplitude of vibration is a lack of the previous study and it is the novelty of this research. Of active control elements are piezoelectric patches which act as sensors and actuators in many systems. Their low power consumption is worth mentioning. Thus, deriving a simple and efficient model of piezoelectric patch's elastic, electrical, and elastoelectric properties would be of much significance. In the present study, first, to reduce vibrations in composite plates reinforced by carbon nanotubes, motion equations were obtained by the extended rule of mixture. Second, to simulate the equations of the system, up to 36 mode shape vectors were considered so that the stress strain behavior of the panel and extent of displacement are thoroughly evaluated. Then, to have a more acceptable analysis, the effects of external disturbances (Aerodynamic forces) and lumped mass are investigated on the stability of the system. Finally, elastoelectric effects are examined in piezoelectric patches. The results of the present research can be used for micro-vibration suppression in satellites such as solar panels, space telescopes, and interferometers and also to optimize active control panel for various applications.