Three-dimensional elasticity solution for bending of transversely isotropic functionally graded plates

This paper presents a three-dimensional elasticity solution for a simply supported, transversely isotropic functionally graded plate subjected to transverse loading, with Young’s moduli and the shear modulus varying exponentially through the thickness and Poisson’s ratios being constant. The approach makes use of the recently developed displacement functions for inhomogeneous transversely isotropic media. Dependence of stress and displacement fields in the plate on the inhomogeneity ratio, geometry and degree of anisotropy is examined and discussed. The developed three-dimensional solution for transversely isotropic functionally graded plate is validated through comparison with the available three-dimensional solutions for isotropic functionally graded plates, as well as the classical and higher-order plate theories.