Static Convergence Behaviour of Discrete Kirchhoff-Mindlin Triangular Element on Rectangular Functionally Graded Material Plates

Abstract

Rapid infrastructure development is consistent with the increase in innovation in structural elements. One of the main parameters in infrastructure development is materials. An advanced composite material called Functionally Graded Material (FGM) has been widely used. FGM is composed of the combination of two or more materials. FGM increases the bond strength between the layers compared to conventional composite materials, eliminating stress at the interface layers, and reducing cracks. However, further studies are required to understand the behaviour of the FGM plate. Finite element analysis (FEA) was considered to evaluate the convergence behaviour of the FGM plates. The Discrete Kirchhoff-Mindlin Triangular (DKMT) element is employed in the analysis. Studies regarding the FGM plates with the DKMT element were limited to square shapes and skew shapes. Thus, this study aims to study the convergence behaviour of the rectangular FGM plates composed of ceramic and metal. The FEA was carried out in different types of meshing, ratio a/h, ratio a/b, the power-law index, and boundary conditions. The analysis results indicate that the application of the DKMT element in analyzing the FGM plates gives good asymptotic and convergence behaviour. Thus, this method has proved reliable and sustainable.