Thermal buckling of functionally graded plates using a n-order four variable refined theory

This paper presents a simple n-order four variable refined theory for buckling analysis of functionally graded plates. By dividing the transverse displacement into bending and shear parts, the number of unknowns and governing equations of the present theory is reduced, and hence, makes it simple to use. The present theory is variationally consistent, uses the n-order polynomial term to represent the displacement field, does not require shear correction factor, and eliminates the shear stresses at the top and bottom surfaces. A power law distribution is used to describe the variation of volume fraction of material compositions. Equilibrium and stability equations are derived based on the present n-order refined theory. The non-linear governing equations are solved for plates subjected to simply supported boundary conditions. The thermal loads are assumed to be uniform, linear and non-linear distribution through-the-thickness. The effects of aspect and thickness ratios, gradient index, on the critical buckling are all discussed.