The Effect of CNTs and GPLs Nanoparticles on the Low-Velocity Impact Analysis of Curved Beam as Bumper of Car

This study investigates the impact of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and Graphene Platelets (GPLs) on the low-velocity impact behavior of curved beams. Nanofillers (CNT or GPL) are evenly distributed within each layer, but their volume fraction varies from layer to layer, creating a functionally graded pattern. The Halpin–Tsai micromechanical model is employed to predict the effective properties of the nanocomposites. The contact force between the plate and projectile is estimated using Hertzian contact law. The First-order Shear Deformation Theory (FSDT), Hamilton’s principle, finite element and Newmark integration methods are employed to model the problem. The effects of different initial velocity and mass of the impactor on the impact behavior are investigated. The analysis also takes into account the impact of different weight fractions of nanoparticles and investigates four unique reinforcement patterns: X, O, U, and V. Curved beams reinforced with GPL showed less center deflection compared to those reinforced with CNT at the same weight fraction. As the weight fraction increased, the difference in center deflection between GPL and CNT reinforcements became less significant, ultimately leading to their deflection responses converging at a weight fraction of 0.75.