Static Analysis of Functionally Graded Sandwich Plates Using an Efficient and Simple Refined Theory

In this paper, a new displacement based high-order shear deformation theory is introduced for the static response of functionally graded sandwich plate. Unlike any other theory, the number of unknown functions involved is only four, as against five in case of other shear deformation theories. The theory presented is variationally consistent, has strong similarity with classical plate theory in many aspects, does not require shear correction factor, and gives rise to transverse shear stress variation such that the transverse shear stresses vary parabolically across the thickness satisfying shear stress free surface conditions. Two common types of functionally graded sandwich plates, namely, the sandwich with functionally graded facesheet and homogeneous core and the sandwich with homogeneous facesheet and functionally graded core, are considered. Governing equations are derived from the principle of virtual displacements. The closed-form solution of a simply supported rectangular plate subjected to sinusoidal loading has been obtained by using the Navier method. The validity of the present theory is investigated by comparing some of the present results with those of the classical, the first-order and the other higher-order theories. It can be concluded that the proposed theory is accurate and simple in solving the static bending behavior of functionally graded sandwich plates.