Isogeometric analysis of functionally graded panels using Bézier triangles.

Isogeometric Analysis is a numerical method that integrates the concepts of geometric modeling and structural analysis. It approximates the displacement field using the same basis functions employed by CAD systems to describe the structure's geometry. This work proposes an isogeometric formulation for analysis of functionally graded panels based on rational Bézier triangles, allowing the exact geometry representation and automatic discretization of topologically complex models. The formulation is applied to the free vibration and stability analysis of functionally graded plates and curved panels. Monotonic convergence under mesh refinement was observed in all examples. Furthermore, results show that curved functionally graded panels display a complex nonlinear behavior and can present bifurcation buckling before reaching the limit load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]