Theoretical approach for bending analysis of thick exponentially graded plates

Abstract

In this study, new refined higher-order parabolic shear deformation theory "PSDPT" for the bending analysis of thick exponentially graded "EG" plates is presented. The main advantage of this model is that it relies on a simple and optimized 2D displacement field with only four unknown variables, This is even less than other shear strain theories that involve five or more unknowns. The present theory considers a function of nonlinear parabolic form to satisfy exactly the zero shear stress conditions on the outer surfaces of the plates without using the shear correction factor.