Static analysis of functionally graded plates using third-order shear deformation theory and a meshless method

The collocation multiquadric radial basis functions are used to analyze static deformations of a simply supported functionally graded plate modeled by a third-order shear deformation theory. The plate material is made of two isotropic constituents with their volume fractions varying only in the thickness direction. The macroscopic response of the plate is taken to be isotropic and the effective properties of the composite are derived either by the rule of mixtures or by the Mori–Tanaka scheme. Effects of aspect ratio of the plate and the volume fractions of the constituents on the centroidal deflection are scrutinized. When Poisson’s ratios of the two constituents are nearly equal, then the two homogenization techniques give results that are close to each other. However, for widely varying Poisson’s ratios of the two constituents, the two homogenization schemes give quite different results. The computed results are found to agree well with the solution of the problem by an alternative meshless method.     

The RMVT- and PVD-based finite layer methods for the three-dimensional analysis of multilayered composite and FGM plates

The Reissner mixed variational theorem (RMVT)- and principle of virtual displacements (PVD)-based finite layer methods (FLMs) are developed for the three-dimensional (3D) analysis of simply-supported, multilayered composite and functionally graded material (FGM) plates subjected to mechanical loads. The material properties of the FGM layers are assumed to obey either an exponent-law exponentially varied with the thickness coordinate or the power-law distributions of the volume fractions of the constituents. In these formulations, the plate is divided into a number of finite layers, where the trigonometric functions and Lagrange polynomials are used to interpolate the in- and out-of-plane variations of the field variables of each individual layer, respectively. Because an h-refinement instead of a p-refinement process is adopted to yield the convergent solutions in this analysis, the layerwise either linear or parabolic function distribution through the thickness coordinate is assumed for the related field variables. The unified formulations of these two kinds of FLMs with freely-chosen orders for the in- and out-of-plane field variables are presented. The accuracy and convergence rate of a variety of RMVT- and PVD-based FLMs developed in this paper are assessed by comparing their solutions with the exact 3D solutions available in the literature.     

A nonlinear modified couple stress-based third-order theory of functionally graded plates

In this paper a general nonlinear third-order plate theory that accounts for (a) geometric nonlinearity, (b) microstructure-dependent size effects, and (c) two-constituent material variation through the plate thickness (i.e., functionally graded material plates) is presented using the principle of virtual displacements. A detailed derivation of the equations of motion, using Hamilton’s principle, is presented, and it is based on a modified couple stress theory, power-law variation of the material through the thickness, and the von Kármán nonlinear strains. The modified couple stress theory includes a material length scale parameter that can capture the size effect in a functionally graded material. The governing equations of motion derived herein for a general third-order theory with geometric nonlinearity, microstructure dependent size effect, and material gradation through the thickness are specialized to classical and shear deformation plate theories available in the literature. The theory presented herein also can be used to develop finite element models and determine the effect of the geometric nonlinearity, microstructure-dependent size effects, and material grading through the thickness on bending and postbuckling response of elastic plates.     

A new inverse trigonometric shear deformation theory for isotropic and functionally graded sandwich plates

A new inverse trigonometric shear deformation theory is proposed for the static, buckling and free vibration analyses of isotropic and functionally graded (FG) sandwich plates. It accounts for a inverse trigonometric distribution of transverse shear stress and satisfies the traction free boundary conditions. Equations of motion obtained here are solved for three types of FG plates: FG plates, sandwich plates with FG core and sandwich plates with FG faces. Closed-form solutions are obtained to predict the deflections, stresses, critical buckling loads and natural frequencies of simply supported plates. A good agreement between the obtained predictions and the available solutions of existing shear deformation theories is found to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed theory.     

Bending response of functionally graded plates by using a new higher order shear deformation theory

This paper presents an analytical solution to the static analysis of functionally graded plates, using a recently developed higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT) and provides detailed comparisons with other HSDT’s available in the literature. These theories account for adequate distribution of the transverse shear strains through the plate thickness and tangential stress-free boundary conditions on the plate boundary surfaces, thus a shear correction factor is not required. The mechanical properties of the plates are assumed to vary in the thickness direction according to a power-law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. The governing equations of a functionally graded (FG) plate and boundary conditions are derived by employing the principle of virtual work. Navier-type analytical solution is obtained for FG plates subjected to transverse bi-sinusoidal and distributed loads for simply supported boundary conditions. Results are provided for thick to thin FG plates and for different volume fraction distributions. The accuracy of the present code is verified by comparing it with known results in the literature.     

A quasi-3D hyperbolic shear deformation theory for the static and free vibration analysis of functionally graded plates

This paper presents an original hyperbolic sine shear deformation theory for the bending and free vibration analysis of functionally graded plates. The theory accounts for through-the-thickness deformations.     

Stochastic Finite element analysis of the free vibration of functionally graded material plates

The superior properties of functionally graded materials (FGM) are usually accompanied by randomness in their properties due to difficulties in tailoring the gradients during manufacturing processes. Using the stochastic finite element method (SFEM) proved to be a powerful tool in studying the sensitivity of the static response of FGM plates to uncertainties in their material properties. This tool is yet to be used in studying free vibration of FGM plates. The aim of this work is to use both a First Order Reliability Method (FORM) and the Second Order Reliability Method (SORM), combined with a nine-noded isoparametric Lagrangian element based on the third order shear deformation theory to investigate sensitivity of the fundamental frequency of FGM plates to material uncertainties. These include the effect of uncertainties on both the metal and ceramic constituents. The basic random variables include ceramic and metal Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio, their densities and ceramic volume fraction. The developed code utilizes MATLAB capabilities to derive the derivatives of the stiffness and mass matrices symbolically with a considerable reduction in calculation time. Calculating the eigenvectors at the mean values of the variables proves to be a reasonable simplification which significantly increases solution speed. The stochastic finite element code is validated using available data in the literature, in addition to comparisons with results of the well-established Monte Carlo simulation technique with importance sampling. Results show that SORM is an excellent rapid tool in the stochastic analysis of free vibration of FGM plates, when compared to the slower Monte Carlo simulation techniques.     

Exact solution for thermo-elastic response of functionally graded rectangular plates

Three-dimensional thermo-elastic analysis of functionally graded (FG) rectangular plates with simply supported edges subjected to thermo-mechanical loads are carried out in this paper. The thermo-elastic constants of the plate were assumed to vary exponentially through the thickness, and the Poisson ratio was held constant. Analytical solutions for the temperature, stress and displacement fields are derived by using the Fourier series and state-space method. To verify the accuracy of the present work, a comparison is made with previously published results. The effects of temperature change, applied mechanical load, gradient index, aspect ratio and thickness to length ratio on the behavior of the plate are examined.     

Thermal post-buckling analysis of functionally graded material elliptical plates based on high-order shear deformation theory

Thermal post-buckling analysis is first presented for functionally graded elliptical plates based on high-order shear deformation theory in different thermal environments. Material properties are assumed to be temperature-dependent and graded in the thickness direction. Ritz method is employed to determine the central deflection-temperature curves, the validity of which can be confirmed by comparison with related researchers' results; it is worth noting that the forms of approximate solutions are well chosen in consideration of both simplicity and accuracy. Influences played by different supported boundaries, thermal environmental conditions, ratio of major to minor axis, and volume fraction index are discussed in detail.     

An efficient and simple higher order shear and normal deformation theory for functionally graded material (FGM) plates

In this paper, an efficient and simple higher order shear and normal deformation theory is presented for functionally graded material (FGM) plates. By dividing the transverse displacement into bending, shear and thickness stretching parts, the number of unknowns and governing equations for the present theory is reduced, significantly facilitating engineering analysis. Indeed, the number of unknown functions involved in the present theory is only five, as opposed to six or even greater numbers in the case of other shear and normal deformation theories. The present theory accounts for both shear deformation and thickness stretching effects by a hyperbolic variation of all displacements across the thickness, and satisfies the stress-free boundary conditions on the upper and lower surfaces of the plate without requiring any shear correction factor. Equations of motion are derived from Hamilton’s principle. Analytical solutions for the bending and free vibration analysis are obtained for simply supported plates. The obtained results are compared with 3-dimensional and quasi-3-dimensional solutions and those predicted by other plate theories. It can be concluded that the present theory is not only accurate but also simple in predicting the bending and free vibration responses of functionally graded plates.     

A quasi-3D hyperbolic shear deformation theory for functionally graded plates

A quasi-3D hyperbolic shear deformation theory for functionally graded plates is developed. The theory accounts for both shear deformation and thickness-stretching effects by a hyperbolic variation of all displacements across the thickness, and satisfies the stress-free boundary conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of the plate without requiring any shear correction factor. The benefit of the present theory is that it contains a smaller number of unknowns and governing equations than the existing quasi-3D theories, but its solutions compare well with 3D and quasi-3D solutions. Equations of motion are derived from the Hamilton principle. Analytical solutions for bending and free vibration problems are obtained for simply supported plates. Numerical examples are presented to verify the accuracy of the present theory.     

基于三阶剪切变形理论的压电功能梯度板静力学等几何分析

针对压电功能梯度板的静力学问题,建立了一种基于三阶剪切变形理论的等几何分析求解方法.其中,定义功能梯度板的材料属性为板厚方向的幂函数分布,并假设压电功能梯度板中的机械位移场与电势场相互独立.利用压电材料的第二类本构方程以及哈密顿变分原理,推导出压电功能梯度板的相关等几何有限元方程.在压电功能梯度板的自由振动分析中,研究...     

Natural frequency analysis of functionally graded material truncated conical shell with lengthwise material variation based on first-order shear deformation theory

Based on the first-order shear deformation theory, the free vibration of the functionally graded (FG) truncated conical shells is analyzed. The truncated conical shell materials are assumed to be isotropic and inhomogeneous in the longitudinal direction. The two-constituent FG shell consists of ceramic and metal. These constituents are graded through the length, from one end of the shell to the other end. Using Hamilton's principle the derived governing equations are solved using differential quadrature method. Fast rate of convergence of this method is tested and its advantages over other existing solver methods are observed. The primary results of this study were obtained for four different end boundary conditions, and for some special cases, acquired results were compared with those available in the literature. Furthermore, effects of geometrical parameters, material graded power index, and boundary conditions on the natural frequencies of the FG truncated conical shell are carried out.     

Classical coupled thermoelasticity in laminated composite plates based on third-order shear deformation theory

A new mixed finite element formulation is proposed to analyze transient coupled thermoelastic problems. Coupled model of dynamic thermoelasticity is selected for a laminated composite and a homogeneous isotropic plate. For the particular finite element developed here, there are 15 degrees of freedom at each node. Two simply supported plates are considered subjected to sinusoidally distributed mechanical and thermal loading. It is seen, by comparing the present results with results from the NISA II FEM code, that they are in good agreement.     

Analysis of isotropic and multilayered plates and shells by using a generalized higher-order shear deformation theory

This paper introduces a generalized 5 degrees of freedom (DOF) higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT) to study the bending and free vibration of plates and shells, which may be used to create other HSDTs. It also introduces a new HSDT for shells that is more accurate than many available HSDTs despite having the same 5DOF, and which is also able to reproduce the well-known Soldatos’ HSDT as special case. The governing equations and boundary conditions of the generalized formulation are derived by employing the principle of virtual work. These equations are solved via Navier-type closed-form solutions. Static and dynamic results are presented for plates and cylindrical and spherical shells with simply supported boundary conditions. Panels are subjected to sinusoidal, distributed and point loads. Results are provided for thick to thin as well as shallow and deep shells. Results from the new and well-known HSDTs introduced and reproduced based on the present generalized 5DOF HSDT are compared with the exact three-dimensional elasticity solution. The present new HSDT for plates and shells is found to be more accurate than the well-known HSDTs developed by other authors, for analyzing the static and free vibration of isotropic and multilayered composite plates and shells.     

Buckling of functionally graded circular columns including shear deformation

An analysis of the stability of circular cylindrical columns/beams composed of functionally graded materials is made where shear deformation is taken into account. In this study, a new approach is carried out. Different from the assumption of uniform shear stress at the cross-section adopted in the Timoshenko beam theory, proposed model provides a new approach for treating the problem. Based on the traction-free surface condition, two coupled governing equations for the deflection and rotation are derived, and a single governing equation is further obtained. A comparison of buckling loads derived from the proposed circular column model and the Timoshenko and Euler–Bernoulli theories of beams is made. Moreover, the effects of radial gradient on buckling loads of elastic columns with circular cross-section made of functionally graded materials are elucidated. Finally, the stability of double-walled carbon nanotubes is considered and critical stress is determined and compared with existing results. The results obtained by the proposed model show very good agreement with the results of the Timoshenko beam theory or Reddy–Bickford beam theory.     

Dispersion spectrum in a functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced plate based on first-order shear deformation plate theory

This paper investigates the dispersion behavior of the guide waves in a functionally graded nanocomposite plate reinforced with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) based on the first-order shear deformation plate theory (FSDPT). The governing equations of motion are expressed in the state space formulation and are then solved by employing the reverberation-ray matrix method. Unlike the traditional state space method, the present approach is unconditionally stable due to the introduction of a dual system of local coordinates in the plate. The present analysis is validated through direct comparisons with the existing results, and a parametric study is conducted to show the influences of the volume fraction and distribution model of the SWCNT reinforcement, plate aspect ratio, and boundary condition on the dispersion behavior of the plate.     

Refined and generalized hybrid type quasi-3D shear deformation theory for the bending analysis of functionally graded shells

The closed-form solution of a generalized hybrid type quasi-3D higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT) for the bending analysis of functionally graded shells is presented. From the generalized quasi-3D HSDT (which involves the shear strain functions “f(ζ)” and “g(ζ)” and therefore their parameters to be selected “m” and “n”, respectively), infinite six unknowns' hybrid shear deformation theories with thickness stretching effect included, can be derived and solved in a closed-from. The generalized governing equations are also “m” and “n” parameter dependent. Navier-type closed-form solution is obtained for functionally graded shells subjected to transverse load for simply supported boundary conditions. Numerical results of new optimized hybrid type quasi-3D HSDTs are compared with the first order shear deformation theory (FSDT), and other quasi-3D HSDTs. The key conclusions that emerge from the present numerical results suggest that: (a) all non-polynomial HSDTs should be optimized in order to improve the accuracy of those theories; (b) the optimization procedure in all the cases is, in general, beneficial in terms of accuracy of the non-polynomial hybrid type quasi-3D HSDT; (c) it is possible to gain accuracy by keeping the unknowns constant; (d) there is not unique quasi-3D HSDT which performs well in any particular example problems, i.e. there exists a problem dependency matter.     

A refined shear deformation theory for free vibration of functionally graded plates on elastic foundation

A refined shear deformation theory for free vibration of functionally graded plates on elastic foundation is developed. The displacement field is chosen based on assumptions that the in-plane and transverse displacements consist of bending and shear components, and the shear components of in-plane displacements give rise to the parabolic variation of shear strain through the thickness in such a way that shear stresses vanish on the plate surfaces. Therefore, there is no need to use shear correction factor. Material properties of functionally graded plate are assumed to vary according to power law distribution of the volume fraction of the constituents. The elastic foundation is modeled as Pasternak foundation. Equations of motion are derived using Hamilton’s principle. Closed-form solution of rectangular plates is derived, and the obtained results are compared well with three-dimensional elasticity solutions and third-order shear deformation theory solutions. Finally, the influences of power law index, thickness ratio, foundation parameter, and boundary condition on the natural frequency of plates have been investigated.