Imperfection sensitivity of the post-buckling characteristics of functionally gradient plates using higher-order shear and normal deformation theory

The aim of the present paper is to investigate the post-buckling responses of geometrically imperfect gradient plate using hybrid deformation plate theory (HHDT). This theory is accountable for realistic transverse shear distribution along with thickness stretching effect. The geometric imperfection is incorporated using various imperfection functions in the transverse direction only. Parametric studies have been carried out to present new results using finite element method with C⁰ continuous element. The consequences of geometric nonlinearity, various geometric imperfection, and geometric configuration on the Post-buckling characteristics of FGM plate is investigated. (paper)