Three-dimensional Bending Analysis of Thick Functionally Graded Rectangular Plates

Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are a subgroup of composite materials. Exact bending solution of a thick FGM rectangular plate is investigated by using three-dimensional elasticity theory. The Youngʹs modulus of the plate is assumed to vary exponentially along the thickness direction, while the value of Poissonʹs ratio is constant. The Lévy solution for bending problem of simply supported plate is obtained. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the influence of different functionally graded inhomogeneity on the stress and displacement. The results indicate that the graded material properties have considerable effects on the mechanical behavior of the plate.