Stochastic analysis of compositionally graded plates with system randomness under static loading

This paper presents an investigation of the stochastic bending response of moderately thick, compositionally graded plates with uncertainties of low variability and subjected to lateral load and uniform temperature change. System parameters such as the thermal and mechanical material properties of each constituent material, volume fraction index, and load intensity are taken as independent random variables. The basic formulations are based on Reddy's higher-order shear deformation plate theory and a semi-analytical method. A first-order perturbation technique is employed to obtain the second-order response statistics-mean and variance of the flexural deflection of plates with various boundary conditions. Typical results are presented for two types of plates containing functionally graded materials made of metallic phase Ni and ceramic phase Al2O3. It is found that the response sensitivity of the plate is very much dependent on the material composition. Variations in Young's modulus and lateral load have dominant effects on the stochastic characteristics compared to other random parameters. The deflection dispersion of compositionally graded plates shows the so-called "non-intermediate" characteristic even when thermal loading is absent. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.