Large Deflection Finite Strip Analysis of Functionally Graded Plates Under Pressure Loads

Description is given for a finite strip method for analyzing the large deflection response of simply supported rectangular functionally graded plates under normal pressure loading. The material properties of the functionally graded plates are assumed to vary continuously through the thickness of the plate, according to the simple power law and exponential law distribution. Both distributions of material properties are used to examine the stress variations. The fundamental equations for rectangular plates of functionally graded material (FGM) are obtained by discretizing the plate into some finite strips, which are developed by combining the Von–Karman theory for large transverse deflection and the concept of functionally graded material. The solution is obtained by the minimization of the total potential energy. The Newton–Raphson method is used to solve the non-linear equilibrium equations. Numerical results for square functionally graded plates are given in dimensionless graphical forms, and compared to the available results, wherever possible. The effects of material properties on the stress field through the thickness and on the variation of the central deflection at a given value of normal pressure loading are determined and discussed.