Buckling analysis of tapered graphene-reinforced composite plates: an analytical approach

In this paper, buckling analysis of tapered composite plates reinforced with graphene platelets (GPLs) has been investigated. Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of the composite plate were calculated using Halpin-Tsai model and rule of mixtures. Employing Hamilton's principle and higher order shear deformation theory, the governing equations of the plate were derived, then, they were solved using Galerkin method. In contrast to previous works, the geometry of the plate is considered to be tapered so that the thickness varies linearly from one side to the other. The validity and correctness of the present analytical model were examined through comparisons of the present analytical results with the present numerical results as well as with the results that existed in the literature. Furthermore, the effects of some key parameters such as weight fraction of GPLs, various distribution of GPLs, length to thickness and length to width ratios of the plate and boundary conditions on buckling behavior of the composite plate are investigated.