On the dynamics of FG-GPLRC sandwich cylinders based on an unconstrained higher-order theory

In the present paper, a novel unconstrained higher-order theory (UCHOT) is applied to analyse the free vibration of cylindrical sandwich shells with nanocomposite face sheets reinforced with graphene platelets. UCHOT considers the shear and thickness deformations. It is assumed that the cylinder includes a soft core which embedded between functionally graded graphene platelets reinforced composites (FG-GPLRC). FG-GPLRC face sheet consists of several laminas that the GPL weight fraction is modified layer to layer based on the various functionally graded (FG) patterns. The Winkler-Pasternak elastic foundation is located at the inner surface of the shell. Highly coupled motion equations are solved by a semi-analytical approach. This approach is blended of the generalized differential quadrature and trigonometric expansion (TE-GDQ) methods. Solving the obtained eigenvalue problem, corresponding frequencies to the cylindrical sandwich shell are achieved. In the results part, comparison studies are carried out to indicate the validity and performance of the selected theory and solution method. Afterward, some parametric results are demonstrated to investigate the impacts of shell theory order, geometrical parameters, FG model, elastic foundation parameters, and boundary conditions on the frequency response of the mentioned structure.