An isogeometric finite element approach for three-dimensional static and dynamic analysis of functionally graded material plate structures

This article proposes an efficiently computational tool based on an isogeometric finite element formulation of three-dimensional (3-D) elasticity for static and dynamic response analysis of functionally graded material (FGM) plates. The material properties of FGM plate structures are continuously assumed to vary according to the four-parameter power-law distributions in the thickness direction. The weak form is discretized and approximated by NURBS-based isogeometric approach. The method allows us to preserve exact geometry and is flexible to employ higher-order approximations for the desired accuracy. Through numerical tests, a quartic NURBS element is strongly recommended for eliminating naturally shear locking. Moreover, this element can produce an ultra-accurate solution with a low number of degrees of freedom. Numerical validation shows excellent performance of the present method in comparison with other available methods.