Non-linear analysis of functionally graded fiber reinforced composite laminated plates, Part I: Theory and solutions

This paper deals with the large amplitude vibration, non-linear bending and postbuckling of fiber reinforced composite laminated plates resting on an elastic foundation in hygrothermal environments. Two kinds of fiber reinforced laminated plates, namely, uniformly distributed and functionally graded reinforcements, are considered. The material properties of fiber reinforced laminated plates are estimated through a micromechanical model and are assumed to be temperature-dependent and moisture-dependent. The motion equations are based on a higher order shear deformation plate theory that includes plate-foundation interaction and the hygrothermal effect. A two-step perturbation technique is employed to determine the non-linear to linear frequency ratios of plate vibration, the load-deflection and load-bending moment curves of plate bending, and postbuckling equilibrium paths of laminated plates.