Nonlinear bending response of functionally graded plates subjected to transverse loads and in thermal environments (Q1614094)

A nonlinear bending analysis is presented for a simply supported, functionally graded rectangular plate subjected to a transverse uniform or sinusoidal load and in thermal environment. The governing equations are based on Reddy's higher-order shear deformation plate theory that includes thermal effects. A mixed Galerkin-perturbation technique is employed to determine the load-deflection and load-bending moment curves. The numerical examples concern nonlinear bending response. The effects played by temperature rise, the character of in-plane boundary conditions, transverse shear deformation, plate aspect ratio and volume fraction distributions are studied.