Thermal Buckling of Imperfect Functionally Graded Cylindrical Shells Based on the Wan–Donnell Model

Abstract

ABSTRACT A thermal buckling analysis of an imperfect functionally graded cylindrical shell is considered using the Wan–Donnell model for initial geometrical imperfections. Derivation of the equations is based on the first-order classical shell theory using the Sanders nonlinear kinematic relations. Results for the buckling loads are obtained in the closed form. The effects of shell geometry and volume fraction exponent of functionally graded material on the buckling load are investigated. The results are validated with known data in the literature. Keywords: Thin cylindrical shellThermal bucklingFGMImperfection