Static and Vibration Analysis of FGM Plates: A Critical Review

Abstract

Recently a new material has been emerged with variation of material properties particularly across the thickness. Such class of materials is called functionally graded materials. The concept of functionally graded material was proposed in 1984 by materials scientists as a means of preparing thermal barrier materials. Since then functionally graded materials are being increasingly used in the aeronautical and aerospace industry as well as in other fields of modern technology. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the various methods used to study the static and dynamic behaviour of functionally graded material plates. Both analytical and numerical methods are considered. The effect of variation of material properties through the thickness, type of load case, boundary conditions, edge ratio and side-to thickness ratio on the behaviour of functionally graded material plates are discussed. The main objective of this paper is to serve the interests of researchers and engineers already involved in the analysis and design of functionally graded material structures