Research on nonlinear postbuckling of functionally graded cylindrical shells under radial loads

The nonlinear postbuckling behaviors of functionally graded cylindrical shells (FGCSs) under uniform radial pressure are investigated by using the nonlinear large deflection theory of cylindrical shells. According to an inhomogeneous parameter, the material properties of functionally graded materials vary smoothly through the thickness. With the temperature-dependent material properties taken into account, various effects of thermal environment are compared. In addition, the effects of the inhomogeneous parameter and the dimensional parameters are also investigated. The present theoretical results are verified by the experimental results of homogeneous cylindrical shells.