Stability analysis of graphene-reinforced functionally graded plates on elastic foundations under different in-plane loads

This work investigates the buckling stability of functionally graded graphene platelet-reinforced ceramic-metal (FG-GPLRCM) plates on elastic foundations under different in-plane loading profiles. A four-variable integral HSDT is used to capture transverse shear without correction factors, and effective properties are obtained via the rule of mixtures combined with the Halpin-Tsai model. Governing equations are derived via Hamilton’s principle and solved using a Navier procedure for simply supported plates. Both uniform and graded GPL patterns are examined and validated against benchmark solutions. A parametric study quantifies the effects of GPL fraction/pattern, geometry, foundation stiffness, gradient index, and in-plane loading profile on the critical buckling load. The results provide practical insights for designing stiffer and more stable advanced composite plates for engineering applications.