Free vibration analysis of multi-directional porous functionally graded sandwich plates

Free vibration analysis of multi-directional porous functionally graded (FG) sandwich plate has been performed for two cases namely: FG skin with homogeneous core and FG core with homogeneous skin. Hamilton's principle was employed and the solution was obtained using Navier's technique. This theory imposes traction-free boundary conditions on the surfaces and does not require shear correction factors. The results obtained are validated with those available in the literature. The composition of metal-ceramic-based functionally graded material (FGM) changes in longitudinal and transverse directions according to the power law. Imperfections in the functionally graded material introduced during the fabrication process were modeled with different porosity laws such as evenly, unevenly distributed, and logarithmic uneven distributions. The effect of porosity laws and geometry parameters on the natural frequency was investigated. On comparing the natural frequency of two cases for perfect and imperfect sandwich plates a reverse trend in natural frequency result was seen. The finding shows a multi-directional functionally graded structures perform better compared to uni-directional gradation. Hence, critical grading parameters and imperfection types have been identified which will guide experimentalists and researchers in selecting fabrication routes for improving the performance of such structures.