Post-buckling analysis of honeycomb core sandwich panels with geometrical imperfection and graphene reinforced nano-composite face sheets

Abstract

The present research deals with post-buckling analysis of geometrically perfect/imperfect honeycomb core sandwich panels having graphene platelet (GPL) reinforced face sheets based on general higher order plate model. Honeycomb sandwich panels are often made of aluminum material having low weight but also low stiffness. Here, the application of GPL-reinforced nano-composites as face sheets of sandwich panels has been proposed to enhance their mechanical performance. GPL distributions are considered as uniform and linear models in the face sheets. GPL volume and weight fractions are incorporated to Halpin-Tsai modeling of a nano-composite material. Adopting a general higher order plate theory with five field variables, it is possible to satisfy shear deformation influences needless of adding correction factors. Based on Gibson technique, the hexagonal honeycomb core is equalized with a solid core. Post-buckling load of the sandwich panel has been analytically derived and it is showed that the obtained post-buckling load is dependent on the core thickness, face sheet thickness, cell wall thickness of the core, GPL dispersion in the face sheets and also geometrical imperfection.