Nonlinear finite element analysis of functionally graded circular plates with modified couple stress theory

Finite element models of microstructure-dependent geometrically nonlinear theories for axisymmetric bending of circular plates, which accounts for through-thickness power-law variation of a two constituent material, the von Karman nonlinearity, and the strain gradient effects are developed for the classical and first-order plate theories. The strain gradient effects are included through the modified couple stress theory that contains a single material length scale parameter which can capture the size effect in a functionally graded material plate. The developed finite element models are used to determine the effect of the geometric nonlinearity, power-law index, and microstructure-dependent constitutive relations on the bending response of functionally graded circular plates with different boundary conditions. (C) 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.