Wave propagation analysis of functionally graded nanoplates using nonlocal higher-order shear deformation theory with spatial variation of the nonlocal parameters

In the present paper, an efficient higher-order shear deformation theory is proposed and applied in conjunction with nonlocal elasticity theory to analyze the wave propagation of infinite functionally graded (FG) nanoplates. The novelty of this work is that the effect of the spatial variation of the nonlocal parameters in the wave propagation of the FG nanoplates is considered for the first time. The nonlocal parameters and other material properties are assumed to be material-dependent and vary smoothly across the thickness of the nanoplates. Hamilton’s principle is applied to establish the governing equations of motion. The Navier closed-form solution is used to solve the propagating wave equations. The accuracy and robustness of the proposed algorithm are demonstrated by comparing the present results with those available in the literature. Moreover, a detailed parametric study is carried out to highlight the effect of the material graded index, the spatial variation of the nonlocal parameters on the wave propagation of the functionally graded nanoplates. The outcome of this study highlights the significant effects of spatial variation of the nonlocal parameters on the wave propagation of FG nanoplates. © 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.