Assessment of critical buckling load of bi-directional functionally graded truncated conical micro-shells using modified couple stress theory and Ritz method

The present investigation has analyzed the buckling of bi-directional functionally graded conical micro-shells bearing axial loading. The dominant equations serve on the basis of the theory of first-order shear deformation in the modified couple stress theory (MCST). The Ritz technique is used so as to solve the governing equations. Bi-directional functionally graded material is the material used to construct the shell, and in a predefined composition profile, the volume fractions pertaining to the constituent materials constantly vary through the conical edge directions and thickness. The model predictions are compared and successfully validated using the ones available in the literature. According to the results, in comparison with the classical theory, the micro-shell buckling load is higher in the MCST. In addition, the contribution of a number of geometrical and mechanical parameters, for example, radius-to-thickness ratio, thickness-to-length scale ratio, length-to-radius ratio, semi-vertex angle, homogenization schemes, and material gradient indexes, to the buckling performance of conical micro-shells has been investigated. It is noteworthy that this investigation is the first effort to present a buckling analysis for the purpose of bi-directional functionally graded truncated conical micro-shells in accordance with the MCST.