In this article, a four-variable refined plate theory is presented for buckling analysis of functionally graded plates. The theory, which has strong similarity with classical plate theory in many aspects, accounts for a quadratic variation of the transverse shear strains across the thickness and satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of the plate without using shear correction factors. A power law distribution is used to describe the variation of volume fraction of material compositions. Equilibrium and stability equations are derived based on the present theory. The non-linear governing equations are solved for plates subjected to simply supported boundary conditions. The thermal loads are assumed to be uniform, linear and non-linear distribution through-the-thickness. The influences of many plate parameters on buckling temperature difference will be investigated. It is noticed that the present refined plate theory can predict accurately the critical temperatures of simply supported functionally graded plates.

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