Nonlinear Aerodynamic Stability of Graphene Nanoplatelet-Reinforced Panels Under Aerodynamic Pressures as Next-Generation Sports Equipment

Nonlinear aerodynamic stability characteristics of graphene nanoplatelets (GPLs) introduced into composite panels have been investigated in this study under high-speed aerodynamics. Additionally, the future application of these panels in sports gear, which are expected to be light yet strong and possess excellent dynamic stability, is assessed. The structural model, which is based on the third-order shear deformation theory, is built using rectangular Cartesian coordinates. This method permits the vertical shear effects to be captured accurately without the need for shear correction factors. The prediction of large-amplitude panel responses owing to aerodynamic loading is carried out reliably by introducing geometric nonlinearity through nonlinear strain–displacement relationships. First-order piston theory is used to model aerodynamic pressure, which is appropriate for the supersonic flow regimes that are important for high-speed sports applications. The use of Airy’s stress function for the representation of in-plane stress resultants ensures that equilibrium and compatibility conditions are satisfied. The governing nonlinear partial differential equations of motion are derived through Hamilton’s principle and are subsequently reduced to a coupled system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations by the use of the Galerkin method. Static divergence and dynamic flutter phenomena are captured through time-domain solutions computed via a fourth-order Runge–Kutta integration scheme. The process of systematically studying the effects of GPL reinforcement parameters, such as weight fraction and dispersion, on the critical aerodynamics pressure and post-critical response has been completed. It is shown through numerical work that the inclusion of GPLs affects the stability limits of the aerodynamic process and the flutter propagation time just like non-GPL composites do. The proposed method provides a strong theoretical basis for the design and improvement of new GPL-reinforced panel structures with the use of high-performance sports equipment in extreme aerodynamic conditions.