Thermal vibrations of complex-generatrix shells made of sandwich CNTRC sheets on both sides and open/closed cellular functionally graded porous core

This article investigates dynamical characteristics of complex-generatrix cylindrical shells (CGCS) made of advanced composite with profiles defined by mathematical functions. The sandwich composite consists of an open/closed cellular functionally graded porous core, which is assumed to perfectly bond to two thin carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (CNTRC) face-sheets at two sides of the CGCS. Three different kinds of porosity distribution, as well as three CNT reinforcement configs variating through the thickness dimension are considered. By utilizing the classical shell theory and Von Karman–Donnell’s geometrical nonlinearity assumption, the displacement system of equations is established and then Galerkin’s method is utilized to solve the nonlinear governing differential equation, therefore fundamental frequencies and nonlinear dynamic behaviors are achieved. The effects of geometrical parameters, material distribution, thermal environment, and the elastic foundation are demonstrated in numerical tables and graphical figures. This paper is expected to contribute knowledge for science and technology of materials and structures.