Theoretical formulation, Navier's solutions of rectangular plates, and finite element models based on the third-order shear deformation plate theory are presented for the analysis of through-thickness functionally graded plates. The plates are assumed to have isotropic, two-constituent material distribution through the thickness, and the modulus of elasticity of the plate is assumed to vary according to a power-law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. The formulation accounts for the thermomechanical coupling, time dependency, and the von Krmn-type geometric non-linearity. Numerical results of the linear third-order theory and non-linear first-order theory are presented to show the effect of the material distribution on the deflections and stresses. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
