Consideration of spatial variation of the length scale parameter in static and dynamic analyses of functionally graded annular and circular micro-plates

This article introduces new methods for static and free vibration analyses of functionally graded annular and circular micro-plates, which can take into account spatial variation of the length scale parameter. The underlying higher order continuum theory behind the proposed approaches is the modified couple stress theory. A unified way of expressing the displacement field is adopted so as to produce numerical results for three different plate theories, which are Kirchhoff plate theory (KPT), Mindlin plate theory (MPT), and third-order shear deformation theory (TSDT). Governing partial differential equations and corresponding boundary conditions are obtained following the variational approach and the Hamilton's principle. Derived systems of differential equations are solved numerically by utilizing the differential quadrature method (DQM). Comparisons to the results available in the literature demonstrate the high level of accuracy of the numerical results generated through the developed methods. Extensive analyses are presented in order to illustrate the influences of various geometric and material parameters upon static deformation profiles, stresses, and natural vibration frequencies. In particular, the length scale parameter ratio -which defines the length scale parameter variation profile-is shown to possess a profound impact on both static and dynamic behaviors of functionally graded annular and circular micro-plates. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.