A comprehensive analysis of functionally graded sandwich plates: Part 1—Deflection and stresses

A two-dimensional solution is presented for bending analysis of simply supported functionally graded ceramic–metal sandwich plates. The sandwich plate faces are assumed to have isotropic, two-constituent material distribution through the thickness, and the modulus of elasticity and Poisson’s ratio of the faces are assumed to vary according to a power-law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. The core layer is still homogeneous and made of an isotropic ceramic material. Several kinds of sandwich plates are used taking into account the symmetry of the plate and the thickness of each layer. We derive field equations for functionally graded sandwich plates whose deformations are governed by either the shear deformation theories or the classical theory. Displacement functions that identically satisfy boundary conditions are used to reduce the governing equations to a set of coupled ordinary differential equations with variable coefficients. Numerical results of the sinusoidal, third-order, first-order and classical theories are presented to show the effect of material distribution on the deflections and stresses.     

功能梯度中厚圆/环板轴对称弯曲问题的解析解

基于一阶剪切变形板理论，导出了热/机载荷作用下，位移形式的功能梯度 中厚圆/环板轴对称弯曲问题的控制方程，获得了问题的位移和内力的一般解析解. 作为特 例，分别研究了边缘径向固定和可动的夹紧和简支的4种实心功能梯度圆板，给出了它们的 解，并分析了热/机载荷作用下解的形态，讨论了横向剪切变形、材料梯度常数和边界条件， 对板的轴对称弯曲行为的影响.     

An efficient and simple refined theory for nonlinear bending analysis of functionally graded sandwich plates

In this paper, an efficient and simple refined theory is presented for nonlinear bending analysis of functionally graded sandwich plates. The theory presented is variationally consistent, does not require the shear correction factor, and gives rise to transverse shear stress variations such that the transverse shear stresses vary parabolically across the plate thickness, satisfying shear-stress-free surface conditions. The energy concept along with the present theory and the first- and third-order shear deformation theories is used to predict the large deflection and the stress distribution across the thickness of functionally graded sandwich plates.     

Non-linear analysis of functionally graded plates in cylindrical bending under thermomechanical loadings based on a layerwise theory

A layerwise theory is used to analyze analytically displacements and stresses in functionally graded composite plates in cylindrical bending subjected to thermomechanical loadings. The plates are assumed to have isotropic, two-constituent material distribution through the thickness, and the modulus of elasticity of the plate is assumed to vary according to a power-law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. The non-linear strain–displacement relations in the von Kármán sense are used to study the effect of geometric non-linearity. The equilibrium equations are solved exactly and also by using a perturbation technique. Numerical results are presented to show the effect of the material distribution on the deflections and stresses.     

Benchmark trigonometric and 3-D elasticity solutions for an exponentially graded thick rectangular plate

The bending problem of a transverse load acting on an isotropic inhomogeneous rectangular plate using both two-dimensional (2-D) trigonometric and three-dimensional (3-D) elasticity solutions is considered. In the present 2-D solution, trigonometric terms are used for the displacements in addition to the initial terms of a power series through the thickness. The effects due to transverse shear and normal deformations are both included. The form of the assumed 2-D displacements is simplified by enforcing traction-free boundary conditions at the faces of the plate. No transverse shear correction factors are needed because a correct representation of the transverse shearing strain is given. The plate material is exponentially graded, meaning that Lamé’s coefficients vary exponentially in a given fixed direction (the thickness direction). A wide variety of results for the displacements and stresses of an exponentially graded rectangular plate are presented. The validity of the present 2-D trigonometric solution is demonstrated by comparison with the 3-D elasticity solution. The influence of aspect ratio, side-to-thickness ratio and the exponentially graded parameter on the bending response are investigated.     

Axisymmetric bending analysis of thick functionally graded circular plates using fourth-order shear deformation theory

In the present article, axisymmetric bending and stretching of functionally graded (FG) circular plates subjected to uniform transverse loading based on fourth-order shear deformation plate theory (FOST) have been studied. Using a fourth-order shear deformation theory, the solutions for deflection and rotation functions of FG plates are presented in terms of the corresponding quantities for a homogeneous plate using the classical plate theory (CPT), from which solutions one can easily obtain the FOST solutions for axisymmetric bending of FG circular plates. It is assumed that the effective mechanical properties of the functionally graded plates through the thickness are continuous functions of the volume fractions of the constituent parts which are themselves defined by a power-law function. Numerical results for maximum deflection and shear stress are presented for various percentages of ceramic–metal volume fractions. These results are also compared with those obtained from the first-order shear deformation plate theory of Mindlin (FST), the third-order shear deformation plate theory of Reddy (TST) as well as the exact three-dimensional elasticity solution. It is found that although the maximum deflections obtained using FOST and TST are close to each other, the through-thickness shear stress is predicted more accurately by the FOST formulation than by the TST.     

Free vibration of functionally graded sandwich plates using four-variable refined plate theory

This paper uses the four-variable refined plate theory (RPT) for the free vibration analysis of functionally graded material (FGM) sandwich rectangular plates. Unlike other theories, there are only four unknown functions involved, as compared to five in other shear deformation theories. The theory presented is variationally consistent and strongly similar to the classical plate theory in many aspects. It does not require the shear correction factor, and gives rise to the transverse shear stress variation so that the transverse shear stresses vary parabolically across the thickness to satisfy free surface conditions for the shear stress. Two common types of FGM sandwich plates are considered, namely, the sandwich with the FGM facesheet and the homogeneous core and the sandwich with the homogeneous facesheet and the FGM core. The equation of motion for the FGM sandwich plates is obtained based on Hamilton’s principle. The closed form solutions are obtained by using the Navier technique. The fundamental frequencies are found by solving the eigenvalue problems. The validity of the theory is shown by comparing the present results with those of the classical, the first-order, and the other higher-order theories. The proposed theory is accurate and simple in solving the free vibration behavior of the FGM sandwich plates.     

Higher-order crack tip fields for functionally graded material plate with transverse shear deformation

The crack tip fields are investigated for a cracked functionally graded material (FGM) plate by Reissner’s linear plate theory with the consideration of the transverse shear deformation generated by bending. The elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio of the functionally graded plates are assumed to vary continuously through the coordinate y, according to a linear law and a constant, respectively. The governing equations, i.e., the 6th-order partial differential equations with variable coefficients, are derived in the polar coordinate system based on Reissner’s plate theory. Furthermore, the generalized displacements are treated in a separation-of-variable form, and the higher-order crack tip fields of the cracked FGM plate are obtained by the eigen-expansion method. It is found that the analytic solutions degenerate to the corresponding fields of the isotropic homogeneous plate with Reissner’s effect when the in-homogeneity parameter approaches zero.     

Finite element analysis of functionally graded plates for coupling effect of extension and bending

In this paper, the coupling effect of extension and bending in functionally graded plate subjected to transverse loading for Kirchhoff-Love plate theory equations is studied. The material properties of the FG plates are assumed to vary continuously throughout the thickness direction of the layer according to sigmoid distribution of the volume fractions of constituents. The two plate functionals are used which are developed by Gateaux differential and potential operator concept. A layer wise, isoparametric, mixed finite element approach was used and results of two different quadrilateral elements, one considering the membrane forces and the other one not, were compared by an analytical study. Finally, for different composition profiles the effect of variations of the Young’s moduli and of variations volume fraction index to dimensionless displacement, strain and stress values are studied.     

Free vibration analysis of elastically supported functionally graded annular plates subjected to thermal environment

Free vibration analysis of functionally graded (FG) thin-to-moderately thick annular plates subjected to thermal environment and supported on two-parameter elastic foundation is investigated. The material properties are assumed to be temperature-dependent and graded in the thickness direction. The equations of motion and the related boundary conditions, which include the effects of initial thermal stresses, are derived using the Hamilton’s principle based on the first order shear deformation theory (FSDT). The initial thermal stresses are obtained by solving the thermoelastic equilibrium equations. Differential quadrature method (DQM) as an efficient and accurate numerical tool is adopted to solve the thermoelastic equilibrium equations and the equations of motion. The formulations are validated by comparing the results in the limit cases with the available solutions in the literature for isotropic and FG circular and annular plates. The effects of the temperature rise, elastic foundation coefficients, the material graded index and different geometrical parameters on the frequency parameters of the FG annular plates are investigated. The new results can be used as benchmark solutions for future researches.     

纵横载荷作用下功能梯度梁的弯曲和过屈曲

基于一阶非线性梁理论和物理中面概念,导出了纵横向载荷作用下功能梯度材料(FGM)梁非线性弯曲和过屈曲问题的控制方程,并获得了该问题的精确解;据此解研究了梯度材料性质、外载荷、横向剪切变形以及边界条件等因素对功能梯度材料梁非线性力学行为的影响,分析中假设功能梯度材料性质只沿梁厚度方向,并按成分含量的幂指数函数形式变化。结果表明:纵横载荷共同作用下,功能梯度梁的弯曲构形将有无限多个;随着梯度指数的增大,梁的变形减小,临界载荷升高;随着长高比的增大,横向剪切变形的影响减小。     

A new five-unknown refined theory based on neutral surface position for bending analysis of exponential graded plates

In the present paper, a new sinusoidal higher-order plate theory is developed for bending of exponential graded plates. The effects due to transverse shear and normal deformations are both included. The number of unknown functions involved in the present theory is only five as against six or more in case of other shear and normal deformation theories. The theory accounts for sinusoidal distribution of the transverse shear strains, and satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the surfaces of the plate without using shear correction factor. Based on the sinusoidal shear and normal deformation theory, the position of neutral surface is determined and the governing equilibrium equations based on neutral surface are derived. There is no stretching–bending coupling effect in the neutral surface-based formulation, and consequently, the governing equations of functionally graded plates based on neutral surface have the simple forms as those of isotropic plates. Numerical results of present theory are compared with three-dimensional elasticity solutions and other higher-order theories reported in the literature. It can be concluded that the proposed theory is accurate and efficient in predicting the bending response of exponential graded plates.     

Elasticity solutions for functionally graded plates in cylindrical bending

The plate theory of functionally graded materials suggested by Mian and Spencer is extended to analyze the cylindrical bending problem of a functionally graded rectangular plate subject to uniform load. The expansion formula for displacements is adopted. While keeping the assumption that the material parameters can vary along the thickness direction in an arbitrary fashion, this paper considers orthotropic materials rather than isotropic materials. In addition, the traction-free condition on the top surface is replaced with the condition of uniform load applied on the top surface. The plate theory for the particular case Of cylindrical bending is presented by considering an infinite extent in the y-direction. Effects of boundary conditions and material inhomogeneity on the static response of functionally graded plates are investigated through a numerical example.     

Free vibration of functionally graded sandwich plates using four-variable refined plate theory

This paper uses the four-variable refined plate theory (RPT) for the free vibration analysis of functionally graded material (FGM) sandwich rectangular plates.Unlike other theories, there are only four unknown functions involved, as compared to five in other shear deformation theories. The theory presented is variationally consistent and strongly similar to the classical plate theory in many aspects. It does not require the shear correction factor, and gives rise to the transverse shear stress variation so that the transverse shear stresses vary parabolically across the thickness to satisfy free surface conditions for the shear stress. Two common types of FGM sandwich plates are considered, namely, the sandwich with the FGM facesheet and the homogeneous core and the sandwich with the homogeneous facesheet and the FGM core. The equation of motion for the FGM sandwich plates is obtained based on Hamilton's principle. The closed form solutions are obtained by using the Navier technique. The fundamental frequencies are found by solving the eigenvalue problems. The validity of the theory is shown by comparing the present results with those of the classical, the first-order, and the other higher-ordex theories. The proposed theory is accurate and simple in solving the free vibration behavior of the FGM sandwich plates.     

Thermoelastic buckling behavior of thick functionally graded rectangular plates

Thermoelastic buckling behavior of thick rectangular plate made of functionally graded materials is investigated in this article. The material properties of the plate are assumed to vary continuously through the thickness of the plate according to a power-law distribution. Three types of thermal loading as uniform temperature raise, nonlinear and linear temperature distribution through the thickness of plate are considered. The coupled governing stability equations are derived based on the Reddy’s higher-order shear deformation plate theory using the energy method. The resulted stability equations are decoupled and solved analytically for the functionally graded rectangular plates with two opposite edges simply supported subjected to different types of thermal loading. A comparison of the present results with those available in the literature is carried out to establish the accuracy of the presented analytical method. The influences of power of functionally graded material, plate thickness, aspect ratio, thermal loading conditions and boundary conditions on the critical buckling temperature of aluminum/alumina functionally graded rectangular plates are investigated and discussed in detail. The critical buckling temperatures of thick functionally graded rectangular plates with various boundary conditions are reported for the first time and can be served as benchmark results for researchers to validate their numerical and analytical methods in the future.     

Axisymmetric bending of functionally graded circular magneto-electro-elastic plates

Axisymmetric bending of functionally graded circular magneto-electro-elastic plates of transversely isotropic materials is analyzed based on linear three-dimensional theory of elasticity coupled with magnetic and electric fields. The transverse loads are expanded in Fourier-Bessel series and therefore can be arbitrarily distributed along the radial direction. The radial distributions of the displacements are assumed in combination of Fourier-Bessel series and polynomials as well as the electric potential and magnetic potential. If the material properties obey the exponential law along the thickness of the plate, two three-dimensional exact solutions for two unusual boundary conditions can be derived since they satisfy the governing equations and specified boundary conditions point by point. For simply supported or clamped boundary, the obtained solutions satisfy the governing equations exactly and the boundary conditions approximately. A layer wise model is also introduced to treat with the plates whose material property components vary independently and arbitrarily along the thickness of the plates. The numerical results are finally tabulated and plotted to demonstrate the presented method and agree well with those from finite element methods.     

Analytical solutions for single- and multi-span functionally graded plates in cylindrical bending

A recently developed plate theory using the concept of shape function of the transverse coordinate parameter is extended to determine the stress distribution in an orthotropic functionally graded plate subjected to cylindrical bending. The transfer matrix method is presented to derive the shape function. The equations governing the plate deformation are then solved analytically using the transfer matrix method for arbitrary boundary conditions. For a simply supported functionally graded plate, a comparison of the present solution with the exact elasticity solution, the first- and third-order shear deformation plate theories is presented and discussed. It is demonstrated that the present method yields more accurate stresses than the first- and third-order shear deformation theories. The effect of boundary conditions and inhomogeneity of material on the displacements and stresses in functionally graded plates are investigated. A multi-span functionally graded plate with arbitrary boundary conditions is further considered to demonstrate the efficiency of the present method.     

An efficient shear deformation theory for vibration of functionally graded plates

This paper presents an efficient shear deformation theory for vibration of functionally graded plates. The theory accounts for parabolic distribution of the transverse shear strains and satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the surfaces of the plate without using shear correction factors. The mechanical properties of functionally graded plate are assumed to vary according to a power law distribution of the volume fraction of the constituents. Equations of motion are derived from the Hamilton??s principle. Analytical solutions of natural frequency are obtained for simply supported plates. The accuracy of the present solutions is verified by comparing the obtained results with those predicted by classical theory, first-order shear deformation theory, and higher-order shear deformation theory. It can be concluded that the present theory is not only accurate but also simple in predicting the natural frequencies of functionally graded plates.     

横向裂缝对功能梯度板的热响应影响

采用条单元法分析了横向裂缝对功能梯度板热响应的影响。研究了功能梯度板的材料属性沿板厚方向连续线性变化时,温度变化热源作用于带横向裂缝的功能梯度板的问题（此热源沿板厚方向连续线性变化）。通过研究不同频率温度变化热源,得到了当量纲为一的温度变化热源频率为3.14时,功能梯度板上表面出现的位移响应比较均匀;通过研究裂缝长度取H、3H、5H时出现的位移响应,得到了根据位移响应特性判断裂缝长度的方法;通过对不同深度裂缝的研究表明：裂缝越深,上表面位移响应强度越小。本研究对带横向裂缝的功能梯度板的热响应问题具有一定的指导意义。     

A two variable refined plate theory for the bending analysis of functionally graded plates

Bending analysis of functionally graded plates using the two variable refined plate theory is presented in this paper.The number of unknown functions involved is reduced to merely four,as against five in other shear deformation theories. The variationally consistent theory presented here has, in many respects,strong similarity to the classical plate theory. It does not require shear correction factors,and gives rise to such transverse shear stress variation that the transverse shear stresses vary parabolically across the thickness and satisfy shear stress free surface conditions.Material properties of the plate are assumed to be graded in the thickness direction with their distributions following a simple power-law in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents.Governing equations are derived from the principle of virtual displacements, and a closed-form solution is found for a simply supported rectangular plate subjected to sinusoidal loading by using the Navier method.Numerical results obtained by the present theory are compared with available solutions,from which it can be concluded that the proposed theory is accurate and simple in analyzing the static bending behavior of functionally graded plates.