Vibrations and thermal stability of functionally graded spherical caps

Here, the axisymmetric free flexural vibrations and thermal stability behaviors of functionally graded spherical caps are investigated employing a three-noded axisymmetric curved shell element based on field consistency approach. The formulation is based on first-order shear deformation theory and it includes the in-plane and rotary inertia effects. The material properties are graded in the<br />thickness direction according to the power-law distribution in terms of volume fractions of the constituents of the material. The effective material properties are evaluated using homogenization method. A detailed numerical study is carried out to bring out the effects of shell geometries, power law index of functionally graded material and base radius-to-thickness on the vibrations and buckling characteristics of spherical shells.