Three-dimensional elasticity solutions for bending of generally supported thick functionally graded plates

Three-dimensional elasticity solutions for static bending of thick functionally graded plates are presented using a hybrid semi-analytical approach-the state-space based differential quadrature method (SSDQM). The plate is generally supported at four edges for which the two-way differential quadrature method is used to solve the in-plane variations of the stress and displacement fields numerically. An approximate laminate model (ALM) is exploited to reduce the inhomogeneous plate into a multi-layered laminate, thus applying the state space method to solve analytically in the thickness direction. Both the convergence properties of SSDQM and ALM are examined. The SSDQM is validated by comparing the numerical results with the exact solutions reported in the literature. As an example, the Mori-Tanaka model is used to predict the effective bulk and shear moduli. Effects of gradient index and aspect ratios on the bending behavior of functionally graded thick plates are investigated.