A novel higher order shear deformation theory based on the neutral surface concept of FGM plate under transverse load

. The static analysis of the simply supported functionally graded plate under transverse load by using a new sinusoidal shear deformation theory based on the neutral surface concept is investigated analytically in the present paper. No transversal shear correction factors are needed because a correct representation of the transversal shearing strain is given. The mechanical properties of the FGM plate are assumed to vary continuously through the thickness according to a power law formulation except Poisson’s ratio, which is kept constant. The equilibrium and stability equations are derived by employing the principle of virtual work. Results are provided for thick to thin plates and for different values of the gradient index k, which subjected to sinusoidal or uniformly distributed lateral loads. The accuracy of the present results is verified by comparing it with finite element solution. From the obtained results, it can be concluded that the proposed theory is accurate and efficient in predicting the displacements and stresses of functionally graded plates.