Static and free vibration behavior of functionally graded sandwich plates using a simple higher order shear deformation theory

The objective of the present paper is to investigate the bending and free vibration behavior of functionally graded material (FGM) sandwich rectangular plates using an efficient and simple higher order shear deformation theory. Unlike other theories, there are only four unknown functions involved, as compared to five in other shear deformation theories. The most interesting feature of this theory is that it does not require the shear correction factor. Two common types of FGM sandwich plates are considered, namely, the sandwich with the FGM facesheet and the homogeneous core and the sandwich with the homogeneous facesheet and the FGM core. The equation of motion for the FGM sandwich plates is obtained based on Hamilton's principle. The closed form solutions are obtained by using the Navier technique. A static and free vibration frequency is given for different material properties. The accuracy of the present solutions is verified by comparing the obtained results with the existing solutions.