Nonlinear thermal post-buckling analysis of graphene platelets reinforced metal foams plates with initial geometrical imperfection

Although some scholars have studied the thermal post-buckling of graphene platelets strengthened metal foams (GPLRMFs) plates, they have not considered the influence of initial geometrical imperfection. Inspired by this fact, the present paper studies the thermal post-buckling characteristics of GPLRMFs plates with initial geometrical imperfection. Three kinds of graphene platelets (GPLs) distribution patterns including three patterns have been considered. The governing equations are derived according to the first-order plate theory and solved with the help of the Galerkin method. According to the comparison with published paper, the accuracy and correctness of the present research are verified. In the end, the effects of material properties and initial geometrical imperfection on the thermal post-buckling response of the GPLRMFs plates are examined. It can be found that the presence of initial geometrical imperfection reduces the thermal post-buckling strength. In addition, the present study indicates that GPL-A pattern is best way to improve thermal post-buckling strength for GPLRMFs plates, and the presence of foams can improve the thermal post-buckling strength of GPLRMFs plates, the Foam- II and Foam- I patterns have the lowest and highest thermal post-buckling strength. Our research can provide guidance for the thermal stability analysis of GPLRMFs plates.