Nonlinear axisymmetric response of FGM shallow spherical shells on elastic foundations under uniform external pressure and temperature

Based on the classical shell theory taking into account geometrical nonlinearity, initial geometrical imperfection and Pasternak type elastic foundation, the nonlinear axisymmetric response of shallow spherical FGM shells under mechanical, thermal loads and different boundary conditions is considered in this paper. Using the Bubnov-Galerkin method and stress function, obtained results show effects of elastic foundations, external pressure, temperature, material and geometrical properties on the nonlinear buckling and postbuckling of the shells. The snap-through behaviors of the FGM spherical shallow shells on elastic foundations also are analyzed carefully in this paper. Some results were compared with the ones of other authors. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.