A simple shear deformation theory based on neutral surface position for functionally graded plates resting on Pasternak elastic foundations

Abstract

In this work, a novel simple first-order shear deformation plate theory based on neutral surface position is developed for bending and free vibration analysis of functionally graded plates and supported by either Winkler or Pasternak elastic foundations. By dividing the transverse displacement into bending and shear parts, the number of unknowns and governing equations of the present theory is reduced, and hence, makes it simple to use. The governing equations are derived by employing the Hamilton\'s principle and the physical neutral surface concept. There is no stretching–bending coupling effect in the neutral surface-based formulation, and consequently, the governing equations and boundary conditions of functionally graded plates based on neutral surface have the simple forms as those of isotropic plates. Numerical results of present theory are compared with results of the traditional first-order and the other higher-order theories reported in the literature. It can be concluded that the proposed theory is accurate and simple in solving the static bending and free vibration behaviors of functionally graded plates.