Nonlinear bending of functionally graded sandwich plates under mechanical and thermal load

Abstract

In this paper, the nonlinear bending of circular/annular sandwich plates with functionally graded material face sheets is studied under mechanical and thermal loads. The governing equations are based on first-order shear theory and nonlinear strain- displacement relations of van Karman. Nonlinear equilibrium equations are obtained by combining the numerical method of dynamic relaxation with finite difference discretization method. Also, material properties are studied in two conditions including temperature dependent and temperature independent conditions. In order to verify the accuracy of the research, the results are compared with references as well as Finite element package of Abaqus. Finally, the effects of some parameters such as the thickness ratio of core to face sheet, boundary conditions, temperature and grading index on nonlinear bending are investigated.