Nonlinear Bending Analysis of Functionally Graded Plates Using SQ4T Elements based on Twice Interpolation Strategy

This paper develops a computational model for nonlinear bending analysis of functionally graded (FG) plates using a four-node quadrilateral element SQ4T within the context of the first order shear deformation theory (FSDT). In particular, the construction of the nonlinear geometric equations are based on Total Lagrangian approach in which the motion at the present state compared with the initial state is considered to be large. Small strain-large displacement theory of von Kármán is used in nonlinear formulations of the quadrilateral element SQ4T with twice interpolation strategy (TIS). The solution of the nonlinear equilibrium equations is obtained by the iterative method of Newton-Raphson with the appropriate convergence criteria. The present numerical results are compared with the other numerical results available in the literature in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed element. These results also contribute a better knowledge and understanding of nonlinear bending behaviors of these structures.