Finite elements for functionally graded Reissner-Mindlin plates

Equations governing the behavior of rectangular plates made of functionally graded materials (FGMs) are determined in this paper using the variational approach. Derivation of such equations is based oil Reissner-Mindlin plate theory that is extended to handle two-constituent material distribution through the thickness. Material properties are assumed to vary with the power law in terms of the volume fractions of the constituent. Within a static analysis framework, the main focus of the paper is the proposal of a locking-free hierarchic family of finite elements that is numerically tested on plates of different material grading. Convergence and stability properties of our approach are assessed and comparisons with available solutions presented. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.