Effect of homogenization models on stress analysis of functionally graded plates

Abstract

In this paper, the effect of homogenization models on stress analysis is presented for functionally graded plates (FGMs). The derivation of the effective elastic proprieties of the FGMs, which are a combination of both ceramic and metallic phase materials, is of most of importance. The majority of studies in the last decade, the Voigt homogenization model explored to derive the effective elastic proprieties of FGMs at macroscopic-scale in order to study their mechanical responses. In this work, various homogenization models were used to derive the effective elastic proprieties of FGMs. The effect of these models on the stress analysis have also been presented and discussed through a comparative study. So as to show this effect, a refined plate theory is formulated and evaluated. The number of unknowns and governing equations were reduced by dividing the transverse displacement into both bending and shear parts. Based on sinusoidal variation of displacement field trough the thickness, the shear stresses on top and bottom surfaces of plate were vanished and the shear correction factor was avoided. Governing equations of equilibrium were derived from the principle of virtual displacements. Analytical solutions of the stress analysis were obtained for simply supported FGM plates. The obtained results of the displacements and stresses were compared with those predicted by other plate theories available in the literature. This study demonstrates the sensitivity of the obtained results to different homogenization models and that the results generated may vary considerably from one theory to another. Finally, this study offers benchmark results for the multi-scale analysis of functionally graded plates.