Influence of porosity variations on the flexural response of FG-CNT composite beams resting on Winkler, Pasternak, and Kerr foundations

This study offers an in-depth examination of the bending behaviour of functionally graded carbon nanotube (FG-CNT) reinforced composite beams, emphasising the effects of diverse porosity distributions and their interaction with sophisticated foundation models, such as Winkler, Pasternak, and Kerr foundations. The inquiry examines various porosity patterns, including uniform and non-uniform distributions (X-CNT, O-CNT, and V-CNT), to clarify their impact on the mechanical properties of nanocomposite beams. This research is novel due to the integration of porosity effects with advanced elastic foundation models, providing a detailed understanding of how these factors collectively influence the bending performance of composite beams. A comprehensive mathematical framework is established to elucidate the relationship between porosity distributions and foundation factors, with findings corroborated by benchmark investigations in existing literature. The study performs a comprehensive parametric analysis, investigating the impacts of geometric configurations, volume fractions, reinforcing schemes, and porosity changes on essential metrics including displacement and stress profiles. The integration of Winkler, Pasternak, and Kerr foundation models represents a significant enhancement in the discipline, since it increases the accuracy of modelling beam-foundation interactions in real-world applications. This study provides critical insights for the optimised design and engineering of advanced structural components across various industries, including aerospace, civil, and mechanical engineering, where the integration of porosity features and realistic foundational conditions is vital for achieving improved performance and reliability.