A refined four variable plate theory for thermoelastic analysis of FGM plates resting on variable elastic foundations

In this paper, an efficient higher-order shear deformation theory is presented to analyze thermomechanical bending of temperature-dependent functionally graded (FG) plates resting on an elastic foundation. Further simplifying supposition are made to the conventional HSDT so that the number of unknowns is reduced, significantly facilitating engineering analysis. These theory account for hyperbolic distributions of the transverse shear strains and satisfy the zero traction boundary conditions on the surfaces of the plate without using shear correction factors. Power law material properties and linear steady-state thermal loads are assumed to be graded along the thickness. Nonlinear thermal conditions are imposed at the upper and lower surface for simply supported FG plates. Equations of motion are derived from the principle of virtual displacements. Analytical solutions for the thermomechanical bending analysis are obtained based on Fourier series that satisfy the boundary conditions (Navier's method). Non-dimensional results are compared for temperature-dependent FG plates and validated with those of other shear deformation theories. Numerical investigation is conducted to show the effect of material composition, plate geometry, and temperature field on the thermomechanical bending characteristics. It can be concluded that the present theory is not only accurate but also simple in predicting the thermomechanical bending responses of temperature-dependent FG plates.