Nonlinear analysis of pressure loaded FGM plates

Nonlinear analysis of square plates made of functionally graded materials (FGM) is studied. The plates are subjected to pressure loading and their geometric nonlinearity is introduced in the strain–displacement equations based on Von-Karman assumptions. The material properties of functionally graded plates, except the Poisson’s ratio, are assumed to vary continuously through the thickness of the plate in accordance with the exponential law distribution; and the solution is obtained by minimizing the total potential energy. Numerical results for functionally graded plates are given in dimensionless graphical forms; and the effects of material properties on deflections and normal stresses through the thickness are determined.