In this paper, a new analytical approach to the nonlinear analysis of functionally graded graphene platelet reinforced composite (FG-GPLRC) laminated cylindrical shells under external pressure and thermal environment is presented for the first time. The analytical approach is based on the higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT), which is enriched by quasi-3D assumed natural strain (ANS) cover functions. The thermomechanical properties of composite laminated shells are considered to be temperature-dependent, and are evaluated using the modified Halpin–Tsai model and the rule of mixture. The governing equations for the GPLRC laminated cylindrical shells are established by using the enriched HSDT and the principle of virtual work. A higher-order quasi-3D strain field is proposed for the assumed kinematic field. The trigonometric series and the Laplace transform are used to establish the nonlinear buckling and post-buckling relations. The proposed analytical method is compared with different equivalent single-layer models. Moreover, two nonlinear parametric studies of GPLRC laminated cylindrical shells with different geometrical dimensions, temperature gradients, foundation stiffnesses and distribution patterns are presented. Finally, a stress analysis of GPLRC cylindrical shells under the thermal environment is carried out.

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