Thermal Vibration Analysis of Porous Cored Sandwich Plates Reinforced with Graphene Nanoplatelets

In this study, the thermal free vibration behavior of sandwich plates featuring a functionally graded porous core reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) is analyzed by subjecting the plate to a nonlinear thermal gradient across its thickness. Based on a refined shear deformation theory, the free vibration analysis is developed for plates with a closed-cell foam core characterized by a functionally graded porosity distribution and uniform GNP reinforcement. Four distinct porosity distribution patterns are considered. The nonlinear temperature field is derived by solving the one-dimensional steady-state heat conduction equation. After validating the proposed model against existing literature, it is examined how porosity influences temperature distribution, and consequently, the vibration response. In addition, the effects of temperature variation, GNP weight fraction, and porosity parameters on the thermal vibration characteristics are systematically analyzed.