Abstract: The plate theory of functionally graded materials suggested by Mian and Spencer is extended to analyze the cylindrical bending problem of a functionally graded rectangular plate subject to uniform load. The expansion formula for displacements is adopted. While keeping the assumption that the material parameters can vary along the thickness direction in an arbitrary fashion, this paper considers orthotropic materials rather than isotropic materials. In addition, the traction-free condition on the top surface is replaced with the condition of uniform load applied on the top surface. The plate theory for the particular case of cylindrical bending is presented by considering an infinite extent in the y-direction. Effects of boundary conditions and material inhomogeneity on the static response of functionally graded plates are investigated through a numerical example.

Key words: functionally graded plates, cylindrical bending, elasticity solutions