<p>A numerical analysis is provided in this article on the nonlinear transient response of functionally graded composite tubes strengthened with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The influence of rotating motion and the effect of temperature variation are taken into consideration. The effective properties of the nanocomposite tube, which are temperature-dependent, can be estimated by implementing five different types of CNT distribution patterns. The kinematic model of the CNT strengthened composite tube is established on the basis of a higher-order shear deformation tube theory assuming the von Karman type of geometric nonlinearity. The equations of motion are formulated for the rotating nanocomposite tube via Hamilton’s principle. The Galerkin technique is applied to reduce the system of partial differential equations governing on the dynamical equilibrium position of the system. Considering three different types of edge conditions, the Runge–Kutta technique is also implemented to solve the system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Finally, several figures are plotted to explore the effects of variable parameters on the nonlinear transient response of the rotating nanocomposite tubes under thermal field.</p>