Buckling Analysis of Functionally Graded Beams Using the Finite Element Method

This study developed a finite element model according to higher-order shear deformation beam theory (HSDT) for the buckling analysis of functionally graded (FG) beams. Equilibrium equations of the FG beam are obtained from Lagrange’s equations. The beam element to be discussed within the scope of the study has 5 nodes and 16 degrees of freedom (DOF). As a result of the buckling analysis, the critical buckling load of the beam was obtained for various boundary conditions, power-law index (p), and slenderness (L/h). When the critical buckling loads obtained as a result of the analysis were compared with the literature, it was seen that they were quite compatible.