Abstract
In this paper, an efficient and simple trigonometric shear deformation theory is presented for thermal buckling analysis of functionally graded plates. It is assumed that the plate is in contact with elastic foundation during deformation. The theory accounts for sinusoidal distribution of transverse shear stress, and satisfies the free transverse shear stress conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of the plate without using shear correction factor. Unlike the conventional trigonometric shear deformation theory, the proposed sinusoidal shear deformation theory contains only four unknowns. It is assumed that the mechanical and thermal non-homogeneous properties of functionally graded plate vary smoothly by distribution of power law across the plate thickness. Using the non-linear strain-displacement relations, the equilibrium and stability equations of plates made of functionally graded materials are derived. The boundary conditions for the plate are assumed to be simply supported on all edges. The elastic foundation is modelled by two-parameters Pasternak model, which is obtained by adding a shear layer to the Winkler model. The effects of thermal loading types and variations of power of functionally graded material, aspect ratio, and thickness ratio on the critical buckling temperature of functionally graded plates are investigated and discussed.