Semi-analytical static analysis of nonlocal strain gradient laminated composite nanoplates in hygrothermal environment

In this work, the bending behavior of nanoplates subjected to both sinusoidal and uniform loads in hygrothermal environment is investigated. The present plate theory is based on the classical laminated thin plate theory with strain gradient effect to take into account the nonlocality present in the nanostructures. The equilibrium equations have been carried out by using the principle of virtual works and a system of partial differential equations of the sixth order has been carried out, in contrast to the classical thin plate theory system of the fourth order. The solution has been obtained using a trigonometric expansion (e.g., Navier method) which is applicable to simply supported boundary conditions and limited lamination schemes. The solution is exact for sinusoidal loads; nevertheless, convergence has to be proved for other load types such as the uniform one. Both the effect of the hygrothermal loads and lamination schemes (cross-ply and angle-ply nanoplates) on the bending behavior of thin nanoplates are studied. Results are reported in dimensionless form and validity of the present methodology has been proven, when possible, by comparing the results to the ones from the literature (available only for cross-ply laminates). Novel applications are shown both for cross- and angle-ply laminated which can be considered for further developments in the same topic. © 2021, The Author(s).