LAUSR

In the present research, vibration and instability of axially moving carbon nanotube–reinforced composite (CNTRC) plate under initial tension is investigated. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are selected as a reinforcement inside polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix. Higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT) is used because of its accuracy of polynomial functions than other plate theories. Based on extended rule of mixture, the structural properties of composite plate are taken into consideration. The equations of motion are obtained using Hamilton's principle and solved by hybrid analytical–numerical solution in different boundary conditions. Influences of various parameters such as axially moving speed, volume fraction of CNTs, pre-tension, thickness, and aspect ratio on the vibration characteristics of moving composite plate are discussed in detail. The results indicated that the critical speed of moving composite plate is strongly dependent on the volume fraction of CNTs. Therefore, the critical speed of moving plate can be improved by adding appropriate values of CNTs. The results of this investigation can be used in design and manufacturing of marine vessels and aircrafts. POLYM. COMPOS., 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers