Dynamic response of hybrid composite semi-ellipsoidal dome structure: Numerical and experimental investigations

This research concentrates on the exploration of the free vibration of a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)- reinforced semi-ellipsoidal composite dome. A glass fiber-reinforced composite laminated dome without and with MWCNT reinforcement is considered for numerical analysis. Free vibration analysis is carried out numerically using ANSYS to determine the natural frequencies and mode shapes at various boundary conditions. In addition, the efficiency of the numerical analysis has been proven by conducting an experimental examination on a prototype dome with and without MWCNT reinforcement and comparing the results with those obtained numerically and experimentally. Parametric studies such as the influence of MWCNT wt.%, the aspect ratio of the dome, slenderness ratio of the dome, etc., with and without MWCNT reinforcement is performed to determine the dynamic behaviour. It was noted that clamped end conditions of the hybrid composite domes provide the highest natural frequencies among the numerous end conditions considered. Also, the hybrid composite dome with 1.5 wt.% CNT reinforcement yields the highest natural frequencies at all the end conditions, beyond which the amalgamation of CNT content decreases the natural frequencies of the structures. Furthermore, composite dome "S1" with 0° orientation and "S4" with 45° orientation yields the highest and the lowest natural frequencies.