Asymmetric Thermal Stability in GPL Reinforced Composite Circular Plates on Partial Winkler Foundation

Buckling of a circular graphene-platelet-reinforced composite plate resting on an elastic foundation is investigated in this research for the first time. The equations governing the thermal buckling of the circular plate were derived based on Hamilton’s principle, classical theory, and the von Kármán strain field. The effective material properties were determined by the Halpin-Tsai model and the rule of mixture. The plate is divided into two sections where solution of stability equation for each section is determined exactly. Applying the boundary and continuity conditions, a transcendental equation is established which may be used to obtain the critical buckling temperature and number of nodal diameters at the onset of buckling. In the end, and after validating the results, the effects of the laminated graphene-platelet-reinforced plate configuration, elastic foundation properties and dimensions, and the graphene platelet weight fraction on the critical thermal buckling temperature were investigated.