Stability Analysis of FGM Layered Shells in the Surrounding Medium

Abstract

In this study, the stability analysis of three-layered shells containing a functionally graded material layer in the surrounding medium and subjected to the uniform lateral pressure is investigated. The surrounding elastic medium is modeled as a Pasternak foundation. The dimensionless critical lateral pressures of three-layered functionally graded material shells with and without elastic foundations are obtained. Effects of compositional profiles and elastic foundation on the dimensionless critical lateral pressures have been studied.