Three-dimensional static analysis of thick functionally graded plates using graded finite element method

In this paper, a thick functionally graded plate based on three-dimensional equations of elasticity and subjected to nonuniform transverse loading is considered. The Young’s modulus of the plate is assumed to be graded in the thickness direction according to a simple power law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents and the Poisson’s ratio is assumed to be constant. Three-dimensional graded finite element method based on Rayleigh–Ritz energy formulation has been applied to study the static response of the plate. The plate deflection and in-plane stress for different values of the power law exponent, thickness-to-length ratio, and various boundary conditions have been investigated. To verify the presented method and data, the results are compared to published data.