Isogeometric analysis of functionally graded plates using a new quasi-3D shear deformation theory based on physical neutral surface

In this paper a new simple and efficient quasi three-dimensional (quasi-3D) shear deformation theory is presented for the static and free vibration analysis of functionally graded and sandwich plates by using the isogeometric analysis (IGA) method and physical neutral surface position. The theory uses five independent unknowns and satisfies the free transverse shear stress conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of plate without a need for shear correction factor. The IGA utilizes Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS) functions, which fulfills C1 continuity requirement. Numerical results compared with 3D, quasi-3D and 2D solutions show the efficiency of the present model.