Nonlinear vibration of FG-CNTRC curved pipes with temperature-dependent properties

In the current research, the nonlinear free vibrations of curved pipes made of functionally graded (FG) carbon nanotube reinforced composite (CNTRC) materials are investigated. It is assumed that the FG-CNTRC curved pipe is supported on a three-parameter nonlinear elastic foundation and is subjected to a uniform temperature rise. Properties of the curved nanocomposite pipe are distributed across the radius of the pipe and are given by means of a refined rule of mixtures approach. It is also assumed that all thermomechanical properties of the nanocomposite pipe are temperature-dependent. The governing equations of the curved pipe are obtained using a higher order shear deformation theory, where the traction free boundary conditions are satisfied on the top and bottom surfaces of the pipe. The von Kármán type of geometrical non-linearity is included into the formulation to consider the large deflection in the curved nanocomposite pipe. For the case of nanocomposite curved pipes which are simply supported in flexure and axially immovable, the motion equations are solved using the two-step perturbation technique. The closed-form expressions are provided to obtain the small- and large-amplitude frequencies of FGCNTRC curved pipes rested on a nonlinear elastic foundation in thermal environment. Numerical results are given to explore the effects of CNT distribution pattern, the CNT volume fraction, thermal environment, nonlinear foundation stiffness, and geometrical parameters on the fundamental linear and nonlinear frequencies of the curved nanocomposite pipe.