Geometrically nonlinear buckling of graphene platelets reinforced dielectric composite (GPLRDC) arches with rotational end restraints

This paper presents an analytical investigation on the nonlinear buckling behavior of graphene platelets reinforced dielectric composite (GPLRDC) arches with rotational end restraints under applied electric and uniform radial load. The effective materials properties of GPLRDC, including the elastic modulus and dielectric permittivity, are estimated by employing effective medium theory (EMT). The analytical solutions for nonlinear equilibrium, critical load of limit point buckling and bifurcation buckling of the GPLRDC arch are derived according to the principle of virtual work. The critical geometric parameters and electric voltage governing the buckling mode switching behavior are also identified and discussed. The effects of graphene platelets (GPLs) weight fraction, size and geometry, applied DC voltage, AC frequency, as well as geometry of the arch on the buckling behavior are examined comprehensively. It is found that the dielectric property of the GPLRDC has significant effects on the buckling behavior of the GPLRDC when the GPLs concentration exceeds the percolation threshold. The nonlinear buckling behavior of the GPLRDC is quite sensitive to the AC frequency within a certain range. Furthermore, the change of the applied voltage can switch the buckling mode and even the number of limit points of the GPLRDC arch.