Improved tensile analysis for functionally graded plates using an innovative mixed finite element method

This research introduces an innovative mixed finite element methodology for analysing functionally graded plates (FGP). The new method employs an isoparametric formulation in the natural (ξ, η) plane and integrates an exponential material gradient and a constant Poisson ratio for the FGP, providing a new perspective on FGP analysis. The effectiveness of this new method is demonstrated by employing numerical modelling in a representative example involving an FGP under tension. Results are comprehensively compared with numerical and analytical solutions found in the existing literature to establish validity and accuracy. The findings reveal that the proposed methodology exhibits superior computational efficiency and accuracy in evaluating the tension behaviour of FGP, with a particular focus on the impact of a reduced number of degrees of freedom. The outcomes of this study contribute to advancing the analysis and design of FGP for various applications.