Sound transmission loss analysis of double-walled sandwich functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite magneto-electro-elastic plates under thermal environment

Abstract

Sandwich structures with functionally graded (FG) cores have gained interest in vibroacoustic applications. This article considers the vibroacoustic properties of double-walled sandwich magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) plates with a functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) core layer in a thermal environment. A coupled multiphysics model is developed based on third-order shear deformation theory (TSDT) and acoustic-structure interaction. Special attention is paid to the transmission loss of this arrangement for simply supported and clamped boundaries for four different kinds of CNT distributions, namely, UD, FG-V, FG-O, and FG-X. Sound velocity potential, normal velocity continuity conditions, and Hamilton's principle are used to generate the coupled vibroacoustic equations, which are then solved using the Galerkin method. The effects of boundary conditions, CNT distributions, cavity depth, multiphysics coupling fields, and temperature on the STL are comprehensively studied. The results provide guidelines for tailoring the dynamic response of these materials to achieve enhanced acoustic insulation performance. It enhances fundamental understanding and enables the engineering design of multilayered composite panels with optimized vibration and noise control capabilities.