Three-dimensional analysis of composite FGM rectangular plates with in-plane heterogeneity

A three-dimensional elasticity solution is presented for unidirectionally reinforced composite plates with in-plane uniaxial grading using a series approach. Convergent results useful for future benchmarking studies are tabulated for two configurations. Displacement and stress variations are critically examined. Studies of thick and thin plates show that the benefit of grading depends significantly on the fiber orientation as well as the thickness ratio, and that this benefit cannot be correctly gauged using classical plate theory. Further, comparison of different configurations with the same total fiber content shows that a significant increase in stiffness may be achieved by a proper choice of fiber orientation and the degree of grading.