An Efficient Finite Element Approach Using A, B, and D Matrices for Buckling Analysis of Functionally Graded Material (FGM) Plates

This study introduces an effective approach for estimating the critical buckling load of functionally graded materials (FGMs) using a finite element analysis. The approach employs A, B and D matrices to simplify the modeling process and overcome the challenges associated with layer-wise modeling in the finite element software ABAQUS. By adopting this new efficient approach, the need for intricate layer-wise modeling is eliminated. Instead, only the aggregate property of the functionally graded materials is required as an input, utilizing the general shell stiffness matrix. MATLAB code has been developed for the calculation of the coefficient of the matrices. Uniaxial buckling investigation of the FGM plate has been performed for SSSS boundary conditions. The present results are validated through comparative studies, which involve analyzing and comparing them with other established results. This helps to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the findings.