Functionally Graded Materials : Nonlinear Analysis of Plates and Shells

Written in a clear, concise style by a recognized researcher in this field, this book introduces the modeling of functionally graded materials (FGMs) and presents the derivation of the governing equations of FGM plates in the von Karman sense. It presents the geometrically nonlinear bending of FGM plates due to transverse static loads of heat conduction and furnishes a detailed treatment of the postbuckling problems of FGM plates subjected to thermal, electrical, and mechanical loads. The book then covers the nonlinear vibration of FGM plates without or with piezoelectric actuators and discusses postbuckling solutions for FGM cylindrical shells under various loading conditions.

Put a New Class of Structural Composites to Use

Real Solutions for Predicting Load

Initially designed as thermal barrier materials for aerospace applications and fusion reactors, functionally graded materials (FGMs) are now widely employed as structural components in extremely high-temperature environments. However, little information is commonly available that would allow engineers to predict the response of FGM plates and shells subjected to thermal and mechanical loads.

Functionally Graded Materials: Nonlinear Analysis of Plates and Shells is the first book devoted to the geometrically nonlinear response of inhomogeneous isotropic and functionally graded plates and shells. Concerned that the high loads common to many structures may result in nonlinear load–deflection relationships due to large deformations, author Hui-Shen Shen has been conducting investigations since 2001, paying particular attention to the nonlinear response of these plates and shells to nonlinear bending, postbuckling and nonlinear vibration.

Nearly all the solutions presented are the results of investigations conducted by the author and his collaborators. The rigor of these investigative procedures allows the results presented within these pages to stand as a benchmark against which the validity and accuracy of other numerical solutions may be measured