Higher order refined computational models for the thermo-elastic analysis of FGM plates

Abstract

Analytical formulations and solutions to the thermo-elastic analysis of Functionally Graded Material (FGM) plates hitherto not reported in the literature based on two higher-order refined computational models with 9 and 12 degrees-of-freedom already available in the literature are presented. The in-plane and the through the thickness variation of temperature is assumed to be sinusoidal and nonlinear respectively and is solved using one-dimensional steady state heat conduction equation. The accuracy of predictions of these two models is first established by comparing the results with the exact 3-D elasticity solutions already reported in the literature. Upon establishing the accuracy, numerical results are obtained for the simply supported FGM plates subjected to thermal loads with varying material and plate parameters. Studies are performed by varying the length to breadth ratio, side-to-thickness ratio and power law parameter. Bench mark results using the two models are presented for the displacements, in-plane and transverse stresses. � 2016 Taylor & Francis Group, London.