Numerical analysis on stability of functionally graded graphene platelets (GPLs) reinforced dielectric composite plate

Abstract The present study deals with the buckling and postbuckling performances of functionally graded graphene platelets reinforced composite (FG-GPLRC) plate under external electric field. The elastic and dielectric properties of GPLRC are evaluated by effective medium theory (EMT) while the Poisson's ratio is calculated by rule of mixture. The GPL distribution throughout the thickness of the structure is described by an average volume fraction and a slope factor describing functionally graded distribution. The equations governing the buckling behaviors of FG-GPLRC plate are derived on the basis of principle of virtual work and Mindlin-Reissner plate theory using von Karman strains. Differential quadrature method (DQM) is then used to discretize the equations and direct iteration method is used to numerically solve the discrete differential equations. The results advise that the stability of FG-GPLRC plate is correlated to several factors, including the average volume fraction of GPLs, functionally graded distribution, slope factor and the parameters of the electric field. The stability of the FG-GPLRC plates could be artificially varied via adjusting parameters of external electric field. The current research is envisaged to offer supportive information to the design of smart GPLRC structures.