Nonlinear thermal post-buckling analysis of rectangular FG plates using CUF

Abstract

In this study, a numerical analysis examines the thermal post-buckling response of rectangular functionally graded (FG) plates. Since the post-buckling is analyzed in a thermal environment, temperature distribution across the thickness is computed by an accurate numerical method. Here, for the geometrically nonlinear analysis because of assuming large displacement, FEM is utilized according to Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF), a precise formulation and higher-order deformation theory. The principle of virtual work is employed to achieve the nonlinear equilibrium equations. The governing equations are solved by operating the arc-length method. The influence of parameters such as geometric aspect ratio, length-to-thickness ratio, boundary conditions, type of temperature distribution, and volume fraction index on the FG plates’ temperature-deflection path has been investigated. In addition, a comparison among the present study method with another reference about thermal post-buckling and also linear buckling analysis (LBA) is performed. Nonlinear post-buckling analysis shows that the bifurcation point occurs only at fully clamped boundary conditions and low aspect ratios. It proved the results of LBA in the mentioned state are verifiable. The outcomes confirm the usefulness of utilizing CUF on thermal post-buckling since the temperature curves in the figures are at a lower level compared to the similar reference.