Equation Chapter 1 Section 1 Analytical Solutions for Radially Functionally Graded Annular Plates

A closed-form solution for deflections and stresses in an annular thin plate of radially functionally graded material under transverse uniform pressure loading is presented. The small displacement theory of elasticity is assumed in the present work. Young’s modulus of the material is taken in the form of a simple power law to vary in the radial direction with an arbitrary exponent showing heterogeneity of the plate, while Poisson's ratio is held constant throughout the plate. Deflection and stress distributions are graphically presented for various values of the heterogeneity exponent to illustrate its effects on the deflections and stresses. Through the current analysis, this exponent can be adjusted in actual designs to control the deflections and stress levels in a plate.