A new higher-order theory for the static and dynamic responses of sandwich FG plates

In this study, a static and free vibration analysis of single layer FG and sandwich FG plates is carried out using a fifth order shear and normal deformation theory. The displacement field of the present theory includes the terms considering the effect of transverse shear and normal deformation. Also, the terms of the thickness co-ordinate are expanded upto fifth order to predict the accurate bending behavior of the plates. The equations of motion are derived based on Hamilton’s principle, and further solved using Navier’s solution scheme. The present results of displacement, stresses and natural frequencies in sandwich FG plates are obtained and compared with other higher order theories available in literature to check the validity and efficacy of the theory.