Post-buckling analysis of FGM annular sector plates based on three dimensional elasticity graded finite elements

In this article, post-buckling and non-linear bending analysis of functionally graded annular sector plates based on three dimensional theory of elasticity in conjunction with non-linear Green strain tensor is considered. In-plane normal compressive loads have been applied to either radial, circumferential, or all edges of annular sector plates. Material properties are graded in the thickness direction according to a simple power law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of constituents while Poisson׳s ratio is assumed to be constant. The governing equations are developed based on the principle of minimum total potential energy and solved based on graded finite element method. Non-linear equilibrium equations are solved based on iterative Newton–Raphson method. The effects of material gradient exponent, different sector angles, thickness ratio, loading condition and two different boundary conditions on the post-buckling behavior of FGM annular sector plates have been investigated. Results denote that due to the stretching–bending coupling effects of the FGMs, the post-buckling behavior of movable simply supported FGM plates is not of the bifurcation-type buckling. Moreover, FGM annular sector plates subjected to uniaxial compression at radial edges show a non-linear bending behavior with unique and stable equilibrium paths following a flattening feature.