A novel general higher-order shear deformation theory for static, vibration and thermal buckling analysis of the functionally graded plates

This paper proposes a new general framework of higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT) and solves the structural responses functionally graded (FG) plates using novel exponential shape functions for Ritz method. Based on fundamental equations elasticity theory, displacement field is expanded in unified form which can recover to many different plate theories such as zeroth-order third-order various HSDTs refined four-unknown HSDTs. The characteristic motion are derived from Lagrange’s equations. Ritz-type solutions developed bending, free vibration thermal buckling analysis FG with boundary conditions. Three types temperature variation through thickness considered. Numerical results compared those previous studies verify accuracy validity present theory. In addition, parametric study also performed investigate effects material parameters, side-to-thickness ratio, rise conditions plates.