A quasi-3d inverse trigonometric shear deformation theory for the critical buckling analysis of functionally graded plates under thermal loads

Abstract

ABSTRACT
This paper presents a quasi-3D theory for the buckling analysis of functionally graded plates under thermal loads. This theory accounts for both shear deformation and thickness stretching effects by an inverse trigonometric variation of all displacements through the thickness. Equations of motion are derived from Hamilton’s principle. The Navier-type solutions are obtained for simply-supported boundary conditions, and exact formulas are proposed and compared with other solutions and those predicted by higher-order shear deformation theories. Numerical results are obtained for simply-supported functionally graded plates to investigate the effects of the power-law index, side-to-thickness, side-to-side ratio and the different temperature changes on the buckling responses.

Keywords: Functionally graded plates, buckling analysis