An efficient and simple refined theory for free vibration of functionally graded plates under various boundary conditions

In this paper an efficient and simple refined shear deformation theory is presented for the free vibration of Functionally Graded Plates Under Various Boundary Conditions. The theory accounts for a quadratic variation of the transverse shear strains across the thickness, and satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of the plate without using shear correction factors. The number of independent unknowns of present theory is four, as against five in other shear deformation theories. The plates are considered of the type having two opposite sides simply-supported, and the two other sides having combinations of simply-supported, clamped, and free boundary conditions. The mechanical properties of functionally graded material are assumed to vary according to power law distribution of the volume fraction of the constituents. Equations of motion are derived using Hamilton\'s principle. The results of this theory are compared with those of other shear deformation theories. Various numerical results including the effect of boundary conditions, power-law index, plate aspect ratio, and side-to-thickness ratio on the free vibration of FGM plates are presented.