DYNAMIC RESPONSES OF FUNCTIONALLY GRADED PLATES ON A VISCOUSELASTIC FOUNDATION SUBJECTED TO A MOVING VEHICLE

Abstract

Dynamic responses of functionally graded plates on a viscous-elastic foundation subjected to a moving vehicle using the finite element method and Mindlin plate theory are presented in this paper. The mechanical properties of the plates are assumed to vary continuously in the thickness direction by a simple power-law form. The vehicle is modeled by a moving sprung mass consisting of two nodal masses that are connected by means of a spring-damper unit. Other models of the vehicle, such as a moving force, a moving mass, and a moving suspended rigid beam, are also analyzed and compared. The governing equation of motion of the plates is derived based on the Hamilton principle, and Newmark method is used to solve the equation. The effects of the foundation factors, the material distribution, the thickness of the plates, and the moving vehicle on the dynamic responses are thoroughly studied.