Three-dimensional static and free vibration analysis of graphene platelet–reinforced porous composite cylindrical shell

Because of promoted thermomechanical performance of functionally graded graphene platelet–reinforced composite ultralight porous structural components, this article investigates bending and free vibration behavior of functionally graded graphene platelet–reinforced composite porous cylindrical shell based on the theory of elasticity. Effective elasticity modulus of the composite is estimated with the aid of modified version of Halpin–Tsai micromechanics. Rule of mixtures is used to obtain mass density and Poisson’s ratio of the graphene platelet–reinforced composite shell. An analytical solution is introduced to obtain the natural frequencies and static behavior of simply supported cylindrical shell by applying the state-space technique along the radial coordinate and Fourier series expansion along the circumferential and axial direction. In addition, differential quadrature method is used to explore the response of the cylindrical shell in the other cases of boundary conditions. Validity of the applied approach is examined by comparing the numerical results with those published in the available literature. A comprehensive parametric study is conducted on the effects of different combinations of graphene platelets distribution patterns and porosity distribution patterns, boundary conditions, graphene platelets weight fraction, porosity coefficient, and geometry of the shell (such as mid-radius to thickness ratio and length to mid-radius ratio) on the bending and free vibration behavior of the functionally graded graphene platelet–reinforced composite porous cylindrical shell. The results of this study provide useful practical tips for engineers designing composite structures.