Nonlinear bending analysis of FGM elliptical plates resting on two-parameter elastic foundations

Nonlinear bending analysis is first presented for functionally graded elliptical plates resting on two-parameter elastic foundations, and investigations on FGM elliptical plates with immovable simply supported edge are also new in literature. Material properties are assumed to be temperature-dependent and graded in the thickness direction. The governing equations of a functionally graded plate are based on Reddy's high-order shear deformation plate theory that includes thermal effects. Ritz method is employed to determine the central deflection-load and bending moment-load curves, the validity can be confirmed by comparison with related researchers' results, and it is worth noting that the forms of approximate solutions are well-chosen in consideration of both simplicity and accuracy. Influences played by different supported boundaries, thermal environmental conditions, foundation stiffness, ratio of major to minor axis and volume fraction index are discussed in detail. (c) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.