Dynamic response of thin FG plates with a static unsymmetrical stable postbuckling path

•Postbuckling dynamic nonlinear analysis of FGM plates.•Analytical explanation of dynamic response dependence of imperfection sign with numerical prove.•Semi-analytical method based on Koiter’s theory application for dynamic problem.•Comparison of results established with two method application—SAM and FEM.

The present paper deals with a dynamic interactive response of square FGM plates subjected to in-plane pulse loading. The structures are assumed to be simply supported along all edges. In order to obtain the equations of motion of individual plate, the classical laminate plate theory (CLPT) has been modified in such a way that it additionally accounts for all components of inertial forces. An effect of the imperfection sign (sense) influence on the dynamic response of plates made of functionally graded materials (FGMs) has been analyzed. In the case of the static problem, Koiter’s theory explains this sign (sense) sensitivity by an unsymmetrical stable equilibrium path of the FGM plate. The investigations deal with a comparison of the semi-analytical method (SAM) and the finite element method (FEM) applied to the dynamic postbuckling nonlinear analysis of thin-walled FG plated structures.