Ricerc@Sapienza

This short note considers thin circular plates, functionally graded in both axial and transverse directions and loaded in compression on the middle plane by a uniform axisymmetric load. The functional grading is based on recent literature on the subject and we deal with a direct problem for buckling, i.e., given the geometry of the plate and its constitutive properties, the critical load multiplier and the buckling mode are determined by a usual non-triviality condition. Original expressions are found in a nearly closed form and show that suitable functional grading, actually achievable in practice, may lead to gentle solutions. Numerical examples, physical interpretations and comments are provided.