Buckling and free vibration analysis of multi-directional functionally graded sandwich plates

In this article, the buckling and free vibration of multi-directional FGM sandwich plates are investigated. The material properties of FGM sandwich plates are assumed to be varying continuously in the in the longitudinal, transverse and thickness directions. The material properties are evaluated based on Voigt's micro-mechanical model considering power law distribution method with arbitrary power index. Equations of motion for the buckling and vibration analysis of multi-directional FGM sandwich plate are obtained based on refined shear deformation theory. Analytical solution for simply supported multi-directional FGM sandwich plate is carried out using Navier's solution technique. The FGM sandwich plate considered in this work has a homogeneous ceramic core and two functionally graded face sheets. Influence of volume fraction index in the longitudinal, transverse and thickness direction, layer thickness, and geometrical parameter over natural frequency and critical buckling load of multi-directional FGM sandwich plate is investigated. The finding shows a multi-directional functionally graded structures perform better compared to uni-directional gradation. Hence, critical grading parameters have been identified which will guide researchers in selecting fabrication routes for improving the performance of such structures.