Linear and non-linear vibration analysis of moderately thick isosceles triangular FGPs using a triangular finite p-element

The geometrically non-linear formulation based on Von-Karman’s hypothesis is used to study the free vibration isosceles triangular plates by using four types of mixtures of functionally graded materials (FGMs - AL/AL₂O₃, SUS304/Si₃N₄, Ti- AL-4V/Aluminum oxide, AL/ZrO₂). Material properties are assumed to be temperature dependent and graded in the thickness direction according to power law distribution.

A hierarchical finite element based on triangular p-element is employed to define the model, taking into account the hypotheses of first-order shear deformation theory. The equations of non-linear free motion are derived from Lagrange's equation in combination with the harmonic balance method and solved iteratively using the linearized updated mode method.

Results for the linear and nonlinear frequencies parameters of clamped isosceles triangular plates are obtained. The accuracy of the present results are established through convergence studies and comparison with results of literature for metallic plates. The results of the linear vibration of clamped FGMs isosceles triangular plates are also presented in this study.

The effects of apex angle, thickness ratio, volume fraction exponent and mixtures of FGMs on the backbone curves and mode shape of clamped isosceles triangular plates are studied. The results obtained in this work reveal that the physical and geometrical parameters have a important effect on the non-linear vibration of FGMs triangular plates.