A REFINED SHEAR DEFORMATION PLATE THEORY FOR STATIC AND FREE VIBRATION ANALYSIS OF FUNCTIONALLY GRADED PLATES

In this research, an efficient shear deformation plate theory for a functionally graded plate has been investigated by the use of the new four variable refined plate theory. Unlike any other theory, the number of unknown functions involved is only four, as against five in case of other shear deformation theories. The theory account for higher-order variation of transverse shear strain through the depth of the plate and satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the surfaces of the plate without using shear correction factors. Based on the present higher-order shear deformation plate theory, the equations of the motion are derived from Hamilton’s principal. The plate faces 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 validity of the present theory is investigated by comparing some of the present results with those of the classical, the first-order and the other higher-order theories. The influences played by the transverse shear deformation, aspect ratio, side-to-thickness ratio, and volume fraction distribution are studied. Numerical results for deflections and stresses of functionally graded plate are investigated