Post-buckling behavior of rectangular multilayer FG-GPLRC plate with initial geometric defects subjected to non-uniform in-plane compression loads in thermal environment

A semi-analytical method is established to investigate post-buckling behavior of functionally graded graphene platelets reinforced composite (FG-GPLRC) plate with initial geometric defects under non-uniform in-plane compression loads. Buckling governing equations are derived base on a new unified framework of transverse shear deformation plate theory, and the reliability and accuracy of proposed method are validated. Parametric studies are systematically performed for the first time to elaborate the effects of GPLs, structural characteristics, initial geometric defects, loading cases and thermal environment on post-buckling behavior of FG-GPLRC plate. This article can provide theoretical guidance for the design and optimization of FG-GPLRC plate.