Loading-unloading contact analysis of functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC)

Abstract The present work deals with a finite element based spherical indentation contact analysis of a functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) substrate. The gradation in the composite is achieved by varying the distribution of the reinforced CNTs within the matrix material, which is considered to be aluminium in the present study. The finite element modelling and analysis has been performed in finite element software ANSYS platform. The model’s validity has been convincingly substantiated through a comparison with the findings of already published relevant articles from the literature. In the present study, a detailed investigation is conducted for three types of CNT distribution in the substrate: increasing, decreasing, and uniform density with depth. The investigation aims to examine the influence of these distributions on different contact behavioral parameters e.g. contact force, contact area, contact stresses etc The analysis would pave a way for modelling and fabricating appropriate FG-CNTRC substrate for a desired as well as damage resistant surface contact behavior.