A nth-order shear deformation theory for the bending analysis on the functionally graded plates

This paper focus on the bending analysis of functionally graded plates by a nth-order shear deformation theory and meshless global collocation method based on the thin plate spline radial basis function. Reddy's third-order theory can be considered as a special case of present nth-order theory (n = 3). The governing equations are derived by the principle of virtual work. The displacement and stress of a simply supported functionally graded plate under sinusoidal load are calculated to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the present theory.

► An nth-order theory for bending analysis of the functionally graded plates.
► Present theory does not require any shear correction factor.
►  Present theory allows the user to experiment the best order number.