Vibro-acoustic characterization of Functionally Graded Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube composite cylindrical panels: An experimental approach

This study experimentally investigates the vibro-acoustic properties of Functionally Graded Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (FG-V MWCNT) Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer composite cylindrical panels, a topic often explored through numerical methods. A novel process methodology is introduced to realize FG-V MWCNT composites, and the results are compared with those of uniformly distributed and conventional composites. Using an in-house developed experimental setup, the natural frequencies, mode shapes, acceleration, and Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) are measured. The FG-V MWCNT composites demonstrate a notable enhancement in fundamental frequency (21.13%) and a reduction in SPL in the lower frequency range compared to conventional composites. The proposed material composition and process methodology show potential for creating lightweight, structurally efficient large airframe components.