Nonlinear axisymmetric thermomechanical response of piezo-FGM shallow spherical shells

Thermomechanical instability of shallow spherical shells made of functionally graded material (FGM) and surface-bonded piezoelectric actuators is studied in this paper. The governing equations are based on the classical shell theory of shells and the Sanders nonlinear kinematics equations. It is assumed that the property of the FGMs varies continuously through the thickness of the shell according to a power law distribution of the volume fraction of the constituent materials. The constituent materials of the functionally graded shell are assumed to be mixture of ceramic and metal. The analytical solutions are obtained for uniform external pressure, thermal loading, and constant applied actuator voltage.