Buckling analysis of a thick-walled micro cylindrical sandwich panel reinforced by graphene platelets

In this paper, the buckling behavior of a thick-walled micro cylindrical sandwich panel with a flexible foam core and nanocomposite face sheets reinforced by graphene platelets (GPLs) are considered. High-order shear deformation theory is used based on total potential energy principle and Navier’s method is applied to determine the governing equations of equilibrium and has been solved to obtain the critical buckling loads. The influence of various parameters such as aspects of ratio, temperature change, and graphene platelet’s volume fraction on the critical buckling loads of a micro cylindrical sandwich panel and a comparison between the two most fundamental reinforcement materials are considered. Adding small amounts of GPLs improves the mechanical properties of components. The critical buckling load increases significantly by increasing the volume fraction of GPLs. These structures are highly practical in various industries such as rockets and missiles bodies in aerospace and marines, production of artificial body parts and in micro-sensors and structures. This article also extends further applications of reinforced cylindrical sandwich panels.

Keywords:

Buckling analysis , thick-walled micro sandwich panel , nanocomposite face sheets , High-order shear deformation theory