Nonlinear stability analysis of double-curved shallow fgm panels on elastic foundations in thermal environments

An analytical investigation into the nonlinear response of thick functionally graded double-curved shallow panels resting on elastic foundations and subjected to thermal and thermomechanical loads is presented. Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio are both graded in the thickness direction according to a simple power-law distribution in terms of volume fractions of constituents. All formulations are based on the classical shell theory with account of geometrical nonlinearity and initial geometrical imperfection in the cases of Pasternak-type elastic foundations. By applying the Galerkin method, explicit relations for the thermal load-deflection curves of simply supported curved panels are found. The effects of material and geometrical properties and foundation stiffness on the buckling and postbuckling load-carrying capacity of the panels in thermal environments are analyzed and discussed.