Finite element simulation for investigation on thermal post-buckling of geometrically imperfect GOP-reinforced beam

Abstract

In this paper, a finite element (FE) simulation has been provided for investigation on thermal post-buckling of geometrically imperfect beams reinforced with graphene oxide powders (GOPs). To this end, a higher-order refined beam theory has been utilized to model the reinforced beam with uniform and non-uniform GOP content. Thus, the employed FE simulation contains a refined beam element in which shear deformations have been considered. Therefore, the degrees of freedom due to both bending and shear displacements have been included. It is also considered that the beam is in thermal environment leading to the thermal buckling at elevated temperatures. The first buckling mode shape of the beam has been considered as the geometrically imperfect configuration. The calculated post-buckling loads of a GOP-reinforced beam are shown to be dependent on several factors including graphene oxide volume, graphene oxide distribution, geometry imperfectness and also center deflection.