Thermal and Mechanical Buckling and Vibration Analysis of FG-GPLRC Annular Plate Using Higher Order Shear Deformation Theory and Generalized Differential Quadrature Method

This is the first research on the buckling and free vibration analysis of functionally graded graphene platelets reinforced composite annular plate resting on elastic substrate and subjected to nonlinear temperature gradient and mechanical load within the framework of higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT). Governing equations and boundary conditions are established by employing Hamilton's principle. Generalized differential quadrature method is applied to obtain numerical solution. Considering nonlinear temperature gradient instead of the linear one and also the effects of elastic substrate besides describing the kinematics on the basis of HSDT makes the results closer to real condition. Numerical results are compared with those published in the literature to examine the accuracy and validity of the applied approach. A comprehensive parametric study is accomplished to reveal the influence of stiffness of the substrate, patterns of temperature rise, temperature gradient, axial load, weight fraction and distribution patterns of GPLs, outer radius to inner radius ratio, inner radius to thickness ratio of the plate and geometric dimensions of GPLs on the response of the structure. This study provides essential information to engineers seeking innovative ways to promote the composite structures in a practical way.