Postbuckling analysis of axially-loaded functionally graded GPL-reinforced composite conical shells

摘要

In this study, a semi-analytical technique is employed to analyze the postbuckling of functionally graded graphene platelet reinforced composite (FG-GPLRC) conical shells under compressive meridional loading. The nonuniform distribution of graphene platelets (GPLs) along the shell thickness is considered and the modified Halpin-Tsai micromechanical model is implemented to determine the overall material properties of nanocomposite shell. The mechanical behavior of FG-GPLRC conical shell is modeled on the basis of first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and von-Karman's nonlinear strain-displacement relations. The governing equations are formulated in the variational framework. The semi-analytical solution based on the variational differential quadrature method (VDQM) and Fourier series is developed. To trace the postbuckling path, the pseudo arclength continuation scheme in conjunction with the load disturbance approach was employed. In order to analyze the influences of geometrical factors, weight fractions and dispersion patterns of GPLs on the postbuckling characteristics of FG-GPLRC conical shells, various numerical results are comparatively reported.