The free vibration analysis of the functionally graded cylindrical shell panels  with and without cutout is carried out using the finite element method based on a higher-order shear deformation theory. A higher-order theory is used to properly account for transverse shear deformation. An eight noded degenerated isoparametric shell element with nine degrees of freedom at each node is considered....

Structural performance in direct (pure) shear and three-point bending was investigated for sandwich panels with a carbon fiber pyramidal truss core. Analytical estimates for sandwich panel strength for each loading condition were presented for possible competing failure modes. In the experimental part of the study, pyramidal truss cores were made using the hot press molding technique and then a...

In this study, the buckling behavior of moderately thick Carbon Nano-Tube (CNT)-reinforced spherical composite panels subjected to both uniaxial and biaxial loads is examined. The uniform and various kinds of functionally graded distributions of the CNT are considered. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposite panels are estimated using the modified rule of mixture. Based on the first-orde...

This paper presents an investigation on energy absorption characteristics of nano-reinforced panels, laminated face sheets and sandwich composites in high velocity ballistic and low velocity punch-shear experiments. The vinyl ester panels were reinforced with 1.25 and 2.5 wt. percent nanoclay and exfoliated graphite platelets. Three different face sheets were manufactured with E-glass, Owens Co...