STATIC BENDING RESPONSE OF VARIABLE THICKNESS FGM PLATES USING NEW SHEAR DEFORMATION PLATE THEORY

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the static bending behavior of functionally graded material plates with variable thickness using a new shear deformation theory and the finite element method. Material and mechanical models are developed to establish the equations describing mechanical relationships. The calculation program is implemented in MATLAB, and its accuracy is verified by comparison with results from analytical methods presented in reputable scientific publications. The error between methods is no more than 1.5%. The program can calculate plate structures with variable thickness according to different rules such as linear and nonlinear. The effects of geometric and material parameters on the static bending of FGM plates with variable thickness are explored.  Following this, the thickness change affects the bending of the plate. These results provide an essential foundation for addressing more complex problems in the future.