Postbuckling of functionally graded graphene-reinforced composite laminated cylindrical panels under axial compression in thermal environments

This paper investigates the buckling and postbuckling behaviors of graphene-reinforced composite (GRC) laminated cylindrical panels. The GRC layer is made of polymer matrix reinforced with graphene fillers. The GRC layers may contain different volume fractions of graphene fillers to achieve a piece-wise functionally graded distribution of graphene reinforcement along the thickness direction of the panels. The material properties of GRC layers are temperature dependent and are estimated by a micromechanical model based on the results from MD simulations. The governing equations for the postbuckling of the panels are based on the Reddy's higher order shear deformation shell theory and the von Karman strain-displacement relationships. The panel-foundation interaction and the effects of thermal conditions are both considered. A singular perturbation technique along with a two-step perturbation approach is employed to determine the buckling loads and the postbuckling equilibrium paths. It is observed that the piece-wise functionally graded distribution of graphene reinforcement can increase the buckling loads and the postbuckling strengths of the panels. The postbuckling path of a GRC laminated cylindrical panel with immovable unloaded straight edges is no longer the bifurcation type. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.