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.     

Finite element analysis of smart functionally graded plates

This paper deals with the derivation of a finite element model for the static analysis of functionally graded (FG) plates integrated with a layer of piezoelectric fiber reinforced composite (PFRC) material. The layer of PFRC material acts as the distributed actuator of the FG plates. The Young’s modulus of the FG plate is assumed to vary exponentially along the thickness of the plate while the Poisson’s ratio is assumed to be constant over the domain of the plate. The finite element model has been verified with the exact solutions for both thick and thin plates. Emphasis has been placed on investigating the effect of variation of piezoelectric fiber angle in the PFRC layer on its actuating capability of the FG plates. The finite element solutions also revealed that the activated PFRC layer is more effective in controlling the deformations of the FG plates when the layer is attached to the surface of the FG plate with minimum stiffness than when it is attached to the surface of the same with maximum stiffness.     

Stress analysis of a functional graded material plate with a circular hole

This paper is to study the two-dimensional stress distribution of a functional graded material plate (FGMP) with a circular hole under arbitrary constant loads. With using the method of piece-wise homogeneous layers, the stress distribution of the functional graded material plate having radial arbitrary elastic properties is derived based on the theory of the complex variable functions. As examples, numerical results are presented for the FGMPs having given radial Young’s modulus or Poisson’s ratio. It is shown that the stress is greatly reduced as the radial Young’s modulus increased, but it is less influenced by the variation of the Poisson’s ratio. Moreover, it is also found that the stress level varies when the radial Young’s modulus increased in different ways. Thus, it can be concluded that the stress around the circular hole in the FGMP can be effectively reduced by choosing the proper change ways of the radial elastic properties.     

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.     

Buckling analysis of functionally graded arbitrary straight-sided quadrilateral plates on elastic foundations

As a first endeavor, the buckling analysis of functionally graded (FG) arbitrary straight-sided quadrilateral plates rested on two-parameter elastic foundation under in-plane loads is presented. The formulation is based on the first order shear deformation theory (FSDT). The material properties are assumed to be graded in the thickness direction. The solution procedure is composed of transforming the governing equations from physical domain to computational domain and then discretization of the spatial derivatives by employing the differential quadrature method (DQM) as an efficient and accurate numerical tool. After studying the convergence of the method, its accuracy is demonstrated by comparing the obtained solutions with the existing results in literature for isotropic skew and FG rectangular plates. Then, the effects of thickness-to-length ratio, elastic foundation parameters, volume fraction index, geometrical shape and the boundary conditions on the critical buckling load parameter of the FG plates 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.     

Nonlinear vibration analysis of piezo-thermo-electrically actuated functionally graded circular plates

A theoretical model for geometrically nonlinear vibration analysis of thermo-piezoelectrically actuated circular plates made of functionally grade material (FGM) is presented based on Kirchhoff’s–Love hypothesis with von-Karman type geometrical large nonlinear deformations. The material properties of the FG core plate are assumed to be graded in the thickness direction according to the power-law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. Dynamic equations and boundary conditions including thermal, elastic and piezoelectric couplings are formulated and solutions are derived. An exact series expansion method combined with perturbation approach is used to model the nonlinear thermo-electro-mechanical vibration behavior of the structure. Control of the FG plate’s nonlinear deflections and natural frequencies using high control voltages is studied and their nonlinear effects are evaluated. Numerical results for FG plates with various mixtures of ceramic and metal are presented in dimensionless forms. A parametric study is also undertaken to highlight the effects of the thermal environment, applied actuator voltage and material composition of the FG core plate on the nonlinear vibration characteristics of the composite structure.     

Characteristic orthogonal polynomials in the study of transverse vibrations of nonhomogeneous rectangular orthotropic plates of bilinearly varying thickness

Effect of nonhomogeneity on the vibrational characteristics of thin orthotropic rectangular plates of bilinearly varying thickness has been studied using boundary characteristic orthogonal polynomials in the Rayleigh-Ritz method. The thickness variation is taken as the Cartesian product of linear variations along two concurrent edges of the plate. The orthogonal polynomials in two variables are generated using the Gram-Schmidt process. The nonhomogeneity of the plate material is assumed to arise due to linear variations in Young’s moduli, shear modulus and density of the plate with the in-plane coordinates. Numerical results have been computed for four different combinations of clamped, simply supported and free edges. Effect of thickness variation together with varying values of aspect ratio and nonhomogeneity on the natural frequencies is illustrated for the first three modes of vibration. Three dimensional mode shapes have been presented. Comparison has been made with the known results.     

Closed-form solutions for free vibration of rectangular FGM thin plates resting on elastic foundation

This article presents closed-form solutions for the frequency analysis of rectangular functionally graded material(FGM) thin plates subjected to initially in-plane loads and with an elastic foundation. Based on classical thin plate theory, the governing differential equations are derived using Hamilton's principle. A neutral surface is used to eliminate stretching–bending coupling in FGM plates on the basis of the assumption of constant Poisson's ratio. The resulting governing equation of FGM thin plates has the same form as homogeneous thin plates. The separation-ofvariables method is adopted to obtain solutions for the free vibration problems of rectangular FGM thin plates with separable boundary conditions, including, for example, clamped plates. The obtained normal modes and frequencies are in elegant closed forms, and present formulations and solutions are validated by comparing present results with those in the literature and finite element method results obtained by the authors. A parameter study reveals the effects of the power law index n and aspect ratio a/b on frequencies.     

High-order shear theory for static analysis of functionally graded plates with porosities

The bending responses of porous functionally graded (FG) thick rectangular plates are investigated according to a high-order shear deformation theory. Both the effect of shear strain and normal deformation are included in the present theory and so it does not need any shear correction factor. The equilibrium equations according to the porous FG plates are derived. The solution to the problem is derived by using Navier's technique. Numerical results have been reported and compared with those available in the open literature for non-porous plates. The effects of the exponent graded and porosity factors are investigated.     

Instability of functionally graded micro-beams via micro-structure-dependent beam theory

This paper focuses on the buckling behaviors of a micro-scaled bi-directional functionally graded (FG) beam with a rectangular cross-section, which is now widely used in fabricating components of micro-nano-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) with a wide range of aspect ratios. Based on the modified couple stress theory and the principle of minimum potential energy, the governing equations and boundary conditions for a micro-structure-dependent beam theory are derived. The present beam theory incorporates different kinds of higher-order shear assumptions as well as the two familiar beam theories, namely, the Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam theories. A numerical solution procedure, based on a generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM), is used to calculate the results of the bi-directional FG beams. The effects of the two exponential FG indexes, the higher-order shear deformations, the length scale parameter, the geometric dimensions, and the different boundary conditions on the critical buckling loads are studied in detail, by assuming that Young’s modulus obeys an exponential distribution function in both length and thickness directions. To reach the desired critical buckling load, the appropriate exponential FG indexes and geometric shape of micro-beams can be designed according to the proposed theory.     

Chaotic vibrations of an orthotropic FGM rectangular plate based on third-order shear deformation theory

In this paper, an analysis on the nonlinear dynamics and chaos of a simply supported orthotropic functionally graded material (FGM) rectangular plate in thermal environment and subjected to parametric and external excitations is presented. Heat conduction and temperature-dependent material properties are both taken into account. The material properties are graded in the thickness direction according to a simple power law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. Based on the Reddy’s third-order share deformation plate theory, the governing equations of motion for the orthotropic FGM rectangular plate are derived by using the Hamilton’s principle. The Galerkin procedure is applied to the partial differential governing equations of motion to obtain a three-degree-of-freedom nonlinear system. The resonant case considered here is 1:2:4 internal resonance, principal parametric resonance-subharmonic resonance of order 1/2. Based on the averaged equation obtained by the method of multiple scales, the phase portrait, waveform and Poincare map are used to analyze the periodic and chaotic motions of the orthotropic FGM rectangular plate. It is found that the motions of the orthotropic FGM plate are chaotic under certain conditions.     

功能梯度简支矩形板的非线性动力响应

研究了功能梯度简支矩形板在横向简谐激励作用下的非线性动力响应问题。采用幂律分布规律描述功能梯度材料的等效材料参数,基于Galerkin法建立了系统广义坐标的常微分控制方程。利用平均法得到了系统的幅频响应特性,分析了功能梯度矩形薄板的非线性主共振特性。数值算例验证了平均化方法的正确性,揭示了功能梯度平板主共振响应中的多值性和跳跃现象;同时分析发现初始条件会改变功能梯度平板主共振的响应幅值。最后讨论了功能梯度材料的梯度指数对系统幅值响应的影响。     

Three-dimensional elasticity solutions for bending of generally supported thick functionally graded plates

Three-dimensional elasticity solutions for static bending of thick functionally graded plates are presented using a hybrid semi-analytical approach-the state-space based differential quadrature method （SSDQM）. The plate is generally supported at four edges for which the two-way differential quadrature method is used to solve the in-plane variations of the stress and displacement fields numerically. An approximate laminate model （ALM） is exploited to reduce the inhomogeneous plate into a multi-layered laminate, thus applying the state space method to solve analytically in the thickness direction. Both the convergence properties of SSDQM and ALM are examined. The SSDQM is validated by comparing the numerical results with the exact solutions reported in the literature. As an example, the Mori-Tanaka model is used to predict the effective bulk and shear moduli. Effects of gradient index and aspect ratios on the bending behavior of functionally graded thick plates are investigated.     

Two new refined shear displacement models for functionally graded sandwich plates

Two refined displacement models, RSDT1 and RSDT2, are developed for a bending analysis of functionally graded sandwich plates. Unlike any other theory, the number of unknown functions involved is only four, as against five in case of other shear deformation theories. The developed models are variationally consistent, have strong similarity with classical plate theory in many aspects, do not require shear correction factor, and give rise to transverse shear stress variation such that the transverse shear stresses vary parabolically across the thickness satisfying shear stress-free surface conditions. The accuracy of the analysis presented is demonstrated by comparing the results with solutions derived from other higher-order models. The functionally graded layers are assumed to have isotropic, two-constituent material distribution through the thickness, and the modulus of elasticity, Poisson’s ratio of the faces, and thermal expansion coefficients 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. Numerical results for deflections and stresses of functionally graded metal–ceramic plates are investigated. It can be concluded that the proposed models are accurate and simple in solving the bending behavior of functionally graded plates.     

面内预应力功能梯度材料矩形板的横向弯曲

功能梯度材料（FGM)是一类具有广阔应用前景的新型复合材料。本文考虑材料物性参数随坐标和温度变化的特性，研究横向荷载和面内预加荷载作用下FGM矩形板在各种边界条件下的弯曲问题。给出了基于一维微分求积格式的Galerkin技术的半解析方法，并以ZrO2/Ti-6Al-4V板为例考察了材料组分，温度相关性，面内预加荷载，边界约束条件等对FGM板弯曲行为的影响。结果表明，FGM板的弯曲变形介于各向同性陶瓷板与各向同性金属板之间，且随板抗弯刚度的增大而逐步减小，在高温下条件下必须考虑材料物性和温度的相关性。     

Semi-analytical buckling analysis of heterogeneous variable thickness viscoelastic circular plates on elastic foundations

Buckling analysis of the functionally graded viscoelastic circular plates has not been carried out so far. In the present paper, a series solution is developed for buckling analysis of radially graded FG viscoelastic circular plates with variable thickness resting on two-parameter elastic foundations, based on Mindlin's plate theory. The complex modulus approach in combination with the elastic–viscoelastic correspondence principle is employed to obtain the solution for various edge conditions. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis is carried out to evaluate effects of various parameters on the buckling load. Results reveal that the viscoelastic behavior of the materials may postpone the buckling occurrence and the stiffness reduction due to the section variations may be compensated by the graded material properties.     

Stability analysis of functionally graded rectangular plates under nonlinearly varying in-plane loading resting on elastic foundation

In this research work, an exact analytical solution for buckling of functionally graded rectangular plates subjected to non-uniformly distributed in-plane loading acting on two opposite simply supported edges is developed. It is assumed that the plate rests on two-parameter elastic foundation and its material properties vary through the thickness of the plate as a power function. The neutral surface position for such plate is determined, and the classical plate theory based on exact neutral surface position is employed to derive the governing stability equations. Considering Levy-type solution, the buckling equation reduces to an ordinary differential equation with variable coefficients. An exact analytical solution is obtained for this equation in the form of power series using the method of Frobenius. By considering sufficient terms in power series, the critical buckling load of functionally graded plate with different boundary conditions is determined. The accuracy of presented results is verified by appropriate convergence study, and the results are checked with those available in related literature. Furthermore, the effects of power of functionally graded material, aspect ratio, foundation stiffness coefficients and in-plane loading configuration together with different combinations of boundary conditions on the critical buckling load of functionally graded rectangular thin plate are studied.     

基于高阶剪切变形理论的四边形求积元板单元及其应用

近年来由各类新型复合材料或功能梯度材料构成的板结构在工程领域得到了广泛应用,其显著特点是材料性能沿板厚变化.为合理考虑横向剪切应变,许多学者基于Reddy高阶剪切变形理论,构建了不同的有限元单元对该类板结构进行分析,但其中满足$C^{1}$连续条件的单元相对较少.本文基于Reddy高阶剪切变形理论,采用求积元方法,建立了$C^{1}$连续的四边形板单元.利用该单元对均质材料、复合材料、功能梯度材料构成的等厚度矩形板、变厚度矩形板及等厚度斜板的线弹性弯曲和自由振动问题进行了计算分析,并与现有文献中的相应计算结果进行了对比.研究表明:基于高阶剪切变形理论的四边形求积元板单元具有较高的计算效率和良好的适应性,文中各类材料构成的等变厚度矩形板及等厚度斜板均只需1个单元即可得到理想的计算结果.对于等/变厚度矩形板,可仅使用9$\times$9个积分点,而对于等厚度斜板,随着斜角的增大,所需积分点的数目逐渐增多至15$\times $15.该四边形求积元板单元可进一步用于新型复合材料板的非线性分析.      

Non-linear analysis of functionally graded plates under transverse and in-plane loads

Large deflection and postbuckling responses of functionally graded rectangular plates under transverse and in-plane loads are investigated by using a semi-analytical approach. Material properties are assumed to be temperature-dependent, and graded in the thickness direction according to a simple power law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. The plate is assumed to be clamped on two opposite edges and the remaining two edges may be simply supported or clamped or may have elastic rotational edge constraints. The formulations are based on the classical plate theory, accounting for the plate-foundation interaction effects by a two-parameter model (Pasternak-type), from which Winkler elastic foundation can be treated as a limiting case. A perturbation technique in conjunction with one-dimensional differential quadrature approximation and Galerkin procedure are employed in the present analysis. The numerical illustrations concern the large deflection and postbuckling behavior of functional graded plates with two pairs of constituent materials. Effects played by volume fraction, the character of boundary conditions, plate aspect ratio, foundation stiffness, initial compressive stress as well as initial transverse pressure are studied.