Buckling of functionally graded circular columns including shear deformation

An analysis of the stability of circular cylindrical columns/beams composed of functionally graded materials is made where shear deformation is taken into account. In this study, a new approach is carried out. Different from the assumption of uniform shear stress at the cross-section adopted in the Timoshenko beam theory, proposed model provides a new approach for treating the problem. Based on the traction-free surface condition, two coupled governing equations for the deflection and rotation are derived, and a single governing equation is further obtained. A comparison of buckling loads derived from the proposed circular column model and the Timoshenko and Euler–Bernoulli theories of beams is made. Moreover, the effects of radial gradient on buckling loads of elastic columns with circular cross-section made of functionally graded materials are elucidated. Finally, the stability of double-walled carbon nanotubes is considered and critical stress is determined and compared with existing results. The results obtained by the proposed model show very good agreement with the results of the Timoshenko beam theory or Reddy–Bickford beam theory.