Abstract
The novelty of this paper is the use of a new four-variable refined plate theory for thermal buckling analysis of functionally graded material (FGM) sandwich plates. Unlike any other theory, the present new theory is variationally consistent and gives four governing equations. The number of unknown functions involved is only four, as against five in case of other shear deformation theories. In addition, the theory, which has strong similarity with classical plate theory in many aspects, accounts for a quadratic variation of the transverse shear strains across the thickness and satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of the plate without using shear correction factors. Material properties and thermal expansion coefficient of the sandwich plate faces are assumed to be graded in the thickness direction according to a simple power-law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. The core layer is still homogeneous and made of an isotropic material. The thermal loads are assumed as uniform, linear, and nonlinear temperature rises across the thickness direction. The effects of aspect and thickness ratios, gradient index, loading type, and sandwich plate type on the critical buckling are all discussed.