Abstract
This study presents the analysis of mechanical buckling behavior of functionally graded (FG) plates resting on two-parameter elastic foundations via a six-variables refined plate theory. In this theory, the effects due to transverse shear and normal strains are both included. It satisfies zero-traction boundary conditions on the upper and lower surfaces of the plate, that means it does not require any shear correction factor. Equilibrium equations and associated boundary conditions of the theory are derived using the virtual work principle. Closedform solution of simply-supported plates resting on elastic foundations is obtained using Navier-type technique. Numerical results are conducted to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the present theory. Effect played by elastic foundation parameters, gradient index, side-to-thickness ratio, plate aspect ratio and buckling load ratio on the critical buckling of FG plates are all investigated. Excellent agreements with available results in previous studies have been obtained.