Buckling of circular plates with functional grading in two directions

This short note considers thin circular plates, functionally graded in both axial and transverse directions and loaded in compression on the middle plane by a uniform axisymmetric load. The functional grading is based on recent literature on the subject and we deal with a direct problem for buckling, i.e., given the geometry of the plate and its constitutive properties, the critical load multiplier and the buckling mode are determined by a usual non-triviality condition. Original expressions are found in a nearly closed form and show that suitable functional grading, actually achievable in practice, may lead to gentle solutions. Numerical examples, physical interpretations and comments are provided.