Size-dependent buckling analysis of functionally graded carbon nanotubesreinforced composite nano-plates based on nonlocal strain gradient theory

This work is related to an analysis of size-dependent buckling behavior of functionally graded carbon nanotubesreinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) nano-plates. The nano-plate is reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), which are embedded in a polymer matrix with four different reinforcement distributions. A size-dependent mathematical model for the FG-CNTRC nano-plate is developed by combining the higher-order shear deformation plate theory (HoSDPT) with the nonlocal strain gradient theory. Analytical solutions for the critical buckling forces of FG-CNTRC nano-plates under three different boundary conditions are obtained. The accuracy of the current solutions is validated through numerical comparisons with existing results in the literature. The effects of some key parameters, including the volume fraction of SWCNTs, aspect ratios, nonlocal parameter, and material length scale parameter on the buckling behavior of FG-CNTRC nano-plates are investigated and discussed.